#huge galaxy mood

[januaryembrs]

HOT UNDER THE HELMET | Poe Dameron x Mechanic!Reader

Request: Hi, would you mind writing for Poe Dameron where Poe accidentally injures the reader (whose a mechanic), which is how they meet for the first time. And would you mind using the dialogue prompt “Oh, oh my god! It was an accident! I’m so sorry!”? 

Description: Poe finds out the hard way the best mechanic in the resistance is also most beautiful woman he’s ever seen; too bad you’re so hot headed. 

word count: 1.5k

trigger warnings: sexism, fire, women in stem facing problems even in space (because ofcourse they do).

main masterlist

As much as you would love to admit times of war made people more benevolent towards each other, you’d be dead wrong. Not only had you been one of the only females in the resistance who knew her way around a wrench, but as it also turned out, not even the risk of dying could pull a males head out of his arse. 

You heard snickering before you saw them. The other three mechanics in your squadron crowded around a starfighter, laughing to themselves as they watched you tinker with a leaky engine, your body strewn across a lying board as you worked above yourself, your tools against your foot. 

Rolling out from underneath the ship, you paid them no mind as you searched for a screwdriver small enough to fit the flathead you needed removing. Scanning your work area, that you were proud to say you kept much neater than the blaster brained males you shared a space with, your brow furrowed when you saw your equipment nowhere to be seen. 

“Looking for something?” You heard Zagg, one of the males, say, and you felt a rage boil up inside you at the smug look on their faces as you regarded them with a sweaty, pissed off expression. 

“Where’d you boneheads put it?” You snapped, hauling yourself to your feet as you approached them hotly, your scowl only growing as they burst out laughing, “Real mature. The galaxy is going to bantha fodder, and you guys are hiding my tools,”

“You know, if you need help from someone who knows what they’re doing, you could just ask,” The tallest of the trio, Bran, goaded you, a smarmy smile on his face as he watched your cheeks puff with exhaustion, whirling around to charge up to him, no matter if you did have to turn your neck upwards to confront the pig of a male. 

“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size, instead of going after little girls who make you look like rookies,” You hissed, eying up the other two who seemed to exchange a sneer, “Leia chose me herself, handpicked me from the academy. You three nerf herders got through on sheer size alone, and it’s obvious you feel the need to compensate everywhere else possible,” 

You sauntered away, back towards the rear of the workshop where spare apparatus was kept, banging around the drawers with a foul mood, muttering about how useless the opposite sex was in times of crisis. 

As if he had heard the call of a siren, Poe strolled into the hangar, fully suited with his helmet under his arm, an all too cheery smile on his face for the belly of the beast he was unknowingly heading straight for. 

Catching the eye of one of the mechanics, a freakishly tall man that seemed to be chatting to the other two as they stood around an X-wing with a huge hole ripped into the body of it, he watched the worker drop his bitter face and regard him with raised eyebrows when he saw the chirpy pilot approach.

“General,” He nodded respectfully, though there was not a single trace of regard on his face. “You’ve come for your ship?”

“Leia said you had your best guy on it?” He said, almost missing the way the three of them nodded hesitantly, “She said it should be ready today,”

“Right this way, General Dameron,” The shorter, beefy one said, leading him away to a pristine looking starfighter, by far in the best shape he could see it being without it being brand new. He thought he caught a snigger behind him as the mechanic, whose oiled badge read as Kripply, took him over to the ship, “Why don’t you give her a whirl? As you said, we had our very best on the case,” 

Poe looked at him with an odd mix of a smile and wariness as he couldn’t miss the devilish excitement the man looked at him with. Had he sat in paint again, he wondered. Finn had had a field day walking him around the entire compound with two white ass cheek marks on his suit, he wouldn’t put it past his co-pilot to try his luck again seeing as Poe had been the one to win at cards last night and had not so graciously rubbed his credits in the man’s face. 

“Sure, let’s give this baby a whirl,” He said after a moment, his hair falling all over the place as he shoved his helmet over his thick, sable locks. 

Maybe he had a case of bedhead, he wondered. Afterall, he’d not exactly been sober as he’d stumbled back to his room last night, his winnings buying him round after round of smuggled Corellian Whiskey. 

He hopped up onto the wing, yanking himself into the cockpit that had been cleaned thoroughly, and he didn’t know why he ever doubted his repair team if this was the condition they left their vehicles in. The engine hummed to life as he flicked the tiny lever, and he couldn’t help but appreciate the oddly floral smell inside the small flight deck, and he wondered if they had gone so far as to spray freshener in there. 

You had found a spare tightener that would fit the screw, the last thing that needed fastening up before the engine should be good to run, Leia’s general would be by any second now. 

Rolling back under the vehicle, you tuned out the way Zagg cackled over the sound of an engine springing to life, you assumed their own, focusing on the tiny panel you had yet to cover the machinery with to protect the pilot from any stray blaster fire cutting the engine. 

But no sooner had you settled on your back beneath the jet, your hand reaching up for the metal sheet, you heard the familiar rumble of oil being fired through the motor, the drums whirling as the ignition started and a short blast of heat hit you in the face. 

You blanched as you knew that meant, knew what would come shooting out any second now. Heat always got kicked out of the engine first, the left over energy dishcharged out of the bottom grate. Because then came the fire as it sprung to life.

Your hand came up before you could think through what you were doing, the hard work you were unravelling in the interest of keeping your face intact, your brain from turning to crispy mush, as you yanked the oil pipe from where you’d connected it to the drum, the thick black liquid pouring over your entire body as you stumbled from out beneath the plane, just incase your plan hadn’t worked. 

You heard the engine cut, the sound of the cockpit sliding open as someone cursed from above, and you were filled with a new wave of rage as two feet jumped from the wing above you, turning to the three men who watched with entertained chuckles. 

“What happened, I thought you said-” Poe had started chewing out the males who didn’t seem to care all too much about the fact the jet had broken down, when he felt two hands shove him from behind, and he spun on his heel with annoyance. 

His face dropped entirely when he saw you, covered head to toe in a thick, gunky oil, your nostrils flaring as you glared at him with a heat he had yet to see from a woman before.

Usually women were so receptive to his charming good looks. Not this one it seemed. 

“What the kriff was that, man,”  You yelled, shoving his chest again with your slimy hands, and he quickly put it together what had been the problem. 

“What that me?” His brows flew into his hair line as you looked at him like he’d just learned there were stars in the sky, “Oh, maker! It was an accident! I’m so sorry!”  

“Oh he’s sorry. Thank goodness he’s sorry,” You threw your arms up, wiping the oil away from your eyes with slippy hands, and Poe had no idea what to say for the best. 

Though, he supposed telling you you were by far the prettiest woman he’d seen in moons was not the correct thing to go for, despite the fact it was the first thing he’d thought. 

“I’m a decorated pilot, I would never intentionally-” He spluttered, but you had already turned away, heading towards a small work bench where a bunch of old, dirty rags lay, supposedly for hands only. 

“You can decorate my ass, general. You’re waiting another week for that plane,” You seethed, barely regarding him over your shoulder. 

And he stood there, speechless, because what was he supposed to say. No one had ever spoken down to him like that, not since he’d grown into his good looks and had women falling at his feet to be near him. Certainly not since he’d become leader. 

You huffed past him, as he was rooted to the spot, jaw hung slack as you left the workshop, cursing him out clearly to yourself, and it was only then that he turned to the other three males who had watched him get his ass served to him with another round of sniggers. “Who in the maker was she?”

[jetii]

i loveeeeeee ur writing. its like a masterpiece. mwah. i was wondering if you could do an angsty fic with the prompt "I loved you!" with any clone boy you want (maybe crosshair 👀) I was listening to Cardigan by taylor swift and it lowkey set the mood.

sorry if the request is very vague cause i never watched bad batch yet im a huge simp 🥲 so do whatever you want.

I know you got like a tonnnn on your plate and i lowkey feel bad requesting but you write really good so take ur time to take care of yourself.

hiiiii anon. if you are who i think you are, then you'll have already been watching TBB by now, but if you're not, what are you doing!! /affectionate

after listening to the song (i have a sister who is a swiftie but alas i am not) and thinking harder about your prompt, i was inspired to write this for Echo, so i hope that's okay!

The Way Back

Pairing: Echo x fem!Reader

Words: 9,621

Tags/Warnings: angst with a happy ending, hurt/comfort, established relationship, dramatic reunion, reader is a lawyer, Tech is a good brother, Echo needs a hug, allusion to panic attacks/alcoholism/depression

Summary: Echo always knew you were it for him, but the idea of seeing you again after so much has changed is more than he can take. Until one day he finds himself outside of your apartment, and the choice is made for him.

Previous Work | Next Work | Masterlist

Echo doesn’t leave the ship when it docks on Coruscant.

His eyes are locked on the city-planet, lit up like a giant firefly, watching the endless stream of ships coming in and out. Their trails of light make the whole thing seem dreamlike, surreal. Even that feels like too much, reminds him too much of the view from your apartment, and he tries to close his eyes, but his eyelids are made of glass.

The first time he saw Coruscant, there had been a moment of... what, awe? Terror? Something. Something big, anyway. He didn't understand then that you can have a feeling be a lot of things. He'd looked down on the galaxy's center of power and felt something bigger than he could possibly contain. Now, sitting alone on the Marauder with only the whirr of the vents for company, he thinks maybe the feeling was dread.

The first time they came back here after Echo joined the Batch, the others didn’t notice his unease. Or at least they didn't mention it. It was an adjustment period for everyone, Echo most of all, and his brothers gave him space to do things on his own terms, even when it meant he did nothing at all.

This time, it's different. He can tell they've noticed how he's been acting, and they're not just leaving him alone anymore. He can tell, because they're giving him looks. The kind of looks that ask questions he doesn't have answers for. They make excuses to stick close by, like they're afraid he might take off or that he's going to break down and have another panic attack. It makes him want to hide even more.

He's not going to, though. It's not so bad. Coruscant has always been a source of good memories for Echo, despite what happened. The sights, the sounds, the tastes — they're all still the same. He'd spent a long time on Coruscant before the Citadel happened, and he'd gotten used to it, the way the air smells, the feel of the rain against his skin. He had a whole life here. He was happy.

It's not so bad. He just... doesn't feel like going out, is all.

He knows he’s being stupid. He knows that he should be out there, enjoying what little downtime they’re afforded. Instead, he's on the ship, trying not to stare out the windows, trying to pretend that he isn't bothered by the thought of leaving, of the possibility of running into you again, however small that may be.

The worst part is that he's not sure why.

It's not that he doesn't want to see you. On the contrary, he does. More than anything. He hasn't stopped thinking about you, wondering if you're okay, if you’re happy, if you've thought of him. He's kept his ears open, and has managed to overhear a few stories here and there about you. The most recent had been about you winning a case for a group of Houk refugees who had been seeking asylum in the city, a big deal for a young lawyer to handle.

It had made him smile, a real, genuine smile, the kind he rarely got to have.

But there's something about seeing you again, about you seeing him that makes him hesitate, makes his stomach turn over and his throat tighten. Maybe it's because he doesn't want to know for certain, doesn't want to see that you're happy, that you've moved on, that you're doing well without him.

Maybe it's because he doesn't trust himself. He's different now, he knows that. He's different, and so are you. He doesn't know if he can face you, doesn't know if he'll be able to handle whatever is waiting for him. 

When he woke up in Rex’s arms and realized the galaxy had kept moving without him, he hadn’t thought much of it, solely focused on survival, on the fact that he was alive at all. He hadn't cared about what he'd missed, who he'd left behind. He hadn't known how much time had passed, and the thought that he was a dead man hadn't even crossed his mind. He hadn't thought about you, hadn't given himself the time or space to consider the consequences. You'd been the furthest thing from his mind. He'd had to keep fighting, to keep living. But once he had the time to think about it, to regret, well, it was...

It's different.

There's no other word for it. Everything is different.

Echo has had time, too much time, to think about you, to regret losing you. It's kept him up late into the night cycle, lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep, thoughts running a mile a minute.

You'd been a good person, a better one than he could ever hope to be, and he had loved you, and then he had died.

Or, he had thought he'd died. Turns out he hadn't. That had been the only mercy.

You'd been the first and only person in his entire life to see him as something other than a soldier, and he'd loved you for it. You'd seen him, really seen him, and you hadn't run. He had been terrified by that, but it had also been the best feeling in the world. And he had taken advantage of it. He had let you in, he had let himself fall in love, and then he had died.

It's different, now. He's different. The galaxy's moved on, and he's a ghost, and he's scared. He doesn't know how to face you, doesn't know if he can. So when they’d made it out of Skako Minor and Rex had asked if he wanted to comm you, he’d said no. And he's been saying no every time since.

A small voice inside his head, one that sounds a lot like Fives, tells him that's bullshit.

His brother would have called him out on his cowardice, and Echo thinks that's a fair assessment. But even though he misses you and wants nothing more than to hear your voice, it's better this way. It's better if you don't see him like this, if you never find out the truth. The thought of you seeing him, of you seeing what's left of the man you knew, is too much. He can't do that to you.

It's better if you never see him again. It's better if you have closure, if you've moved on and don't think about him anymore.

You deserve more. You deserve someone who hasn't lost as much as he has, someone who you won't have to worry about, someone who will be there for you.

Someone who can give you the life you want.

Echo knows he can't do that. And maybe if he says that enough times, he'll finally believe it.

“Why are you still here?”

The sound of Tech’s voice snaps him out of his thoughts. He turns and finds his brother watching him from the doorway, an expression of vague curiosity on his face, a soldering iron twirling absently in his hand.

Echo shrugs.

Tech gives a short, impatient huff.

"That is not an answer," he says, crossing his arms and looking pointedly at Echo.

"I was just..." He trails off. Just what? Just looking out the window and moping? He sighs. "Nevermind."

Tech steps into the cockpit, looking unconvinced. Echo can tell he has a question on the tip of his tongue, can see him considering his options. Tech is not the most tactful person in the galaxy, and Echo isn't really in the mood to hear his thoughts, not when they're bound to be blunt. But instead of asking, his brother simply takes his seat beside him and begins tinkering with the dashboard, checking the systems.

The two of them are quiet for a moment, the only sound the clinking of the tools. Then Tech pauses and looks at Echo. 

Echo fidgets under his brother's gaze. "What?"

Tech doesn't respond right away, taking a second to look Echo over. His eyes flicker around the cockpit, as if the gauges and switchboards will give him some kind of clue, before coming back to his brother.

"There is nothing wrong with the ship," he says.

"Okay," Echo says, confused. "So?"

"So," Tech continues, "there is no reason for you to be here. We are scheduled to remain docked until 600 hours, and you have the day off. You could be anywhere."

Echo rolls his eyes, a prickle of annoyance flaring in his chest. "Yeah, well, I'm here, aren't I?"

"Yes, you are," Tech agrees. There's a moment where he considers something, and then he speaks again, "If I may offer a suggestion?"

"Go for it," Echo grumbles, not bothering to look at him.

"Go for a walk."

"A walk?"

"Yes. Physical activity is proven to improve mood and mental health. And you could do with the fresh air."

Echo frowns. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Tech says, not even pausing in his work, "that you've been spending an inordinate amount of time locked away in here."

"I'm not locked away," Echo protests.

"No, I suppose not. But you have not been yourself since we arrived."

Echo doesn't have an answer for that.

"Go for a walk," Tech repeats, and this time he does stop and turn to Echo. He leans back in his chair and removes his goggles, letting them rest on his forehead, and the intensity in his gaze makes Echo squirm a bit.

"Where?"

Tech gestures towards the open space in front of them, the sprawling metropolis. "There are a number of options available, I'm sure. There are parks, shopping districts, museums, restaurants..." He ticks the ideas off on his fingers one by one, and then points back to Echo. "Perhaps you should find out for yourself."

Echo snorts. "Thanks, but no thanks."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to," he says, the words coming out more defensively than he intended. "I'd rather just stay here."

"Yes, I can see that," Tech says dryly, and Echo gets the distinct impression that his brother is making fun of him.

He scowls.

Tech is undeterred. "But I don't think that is what you actually want to do."

Echo's mouth opens to argue, but then closes it just as quickly. He's not sure what to say, not sure if he wants to say anything. Tech isn't wrong. He doesn't really want to stay on the ship, not truly. The idea of getting out and going somewhere is tempting, and if he's being honest with himself, the last thing he wants to do is sit here, stewing in his thoughts alone. Or worse, with Tech.

And he does need to stretch his legs.

He looks out the window again, taking in the sight of the planet before him. He's not sure what's going to happen once they get the signal for the next job, if they'll ever be back. He might never have this opportunity again.

He takes a breath.

"Fine," he says, throwing his hands up in the air. "You win."

Tech's lips twitch, a barely contained smile. "As I usually do."

Echo shakes his head, a grin playing on his lips. He starts to make his way towards the door, and stops beside his brother.

"Thanks," he says, placing a hand on Tech's shoulder.

"You are welcome," Tech nods. “Try to be back by 0600 hours. If you are late, we will leave without you.

Echo snorts. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

He leaves Tech there and heads to the ramp. His steps slow as he reaches the bottom, but he forces himself forward, out into the bright sunlight and fresh air.

Echo spends the next few hours wandering around Coruscant, letting his feet guide him.

He goes wherever the crowds take him, stopping at whatever catches his interest. It's nice, being able to let his mind go blank and not have to worry about where he's going. He doesn't have to think about anything, doesn't have to consider the consequences, or the risks.

He just exists.

And it feels good.

When he eventually decides to turn back, he's a bit surprised at how far he's come. He hadn't intended to venture so deep into the city, had just wanted a walk to clear his head. But the area he's found himself in is one he recognizes.

Your apartment is nearby.

Echo can feel his pulse start to quicken, his palm begins to sweat, and he stops in the middle of the walkway.

The sun has begun to set, and the crowds are thinning. You’ll be on your way home from work soon, if you weren’t already. His brain helpfully supplies the route you would take, and his eyes flit up towards the skyline. He can't see your building, but he knows it's there, not far away.

The knowledge sits heavy in his chest.

No, he tells himself, shaking his head. I shouldn't.

He has no way of knowing if you're even home. For all he knows, you could be busy, out with friends or maybe on a date.

Don't, his mind warns him. She's moved on. You shouldn't.

He hasn't been to your apartment since the morning he left. The memory is a sharp one, a jagged knife cutting through the fog of his past. He remembers the way your bed had felt, the warmth of your body, the sound of your breathing as you slept tucked against him.

It had been so peaceful.

It had been so easy to leave.

His mind starts to replay those moments, the goodbye you had given him, and it's like a punch to the gut. He knows how much you care about him, knows that if you were to see him again, that wouldn't have changed. You wouldn't turn him away.

The night before, you talked for hours. Your conversation had been punctuated with kisses and caresses, laughter and confessions. You told him how much you wanted him to stay, how much you wished he didn't have to leave, how much you wished things could be different. You talked about what the future might hold for the two of you, and he remembers how that felt, how it made him believe, even for just a moment, that things would work out.

They didn't, of course.

But Echo is still here, and so are you, and he can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, the galaxy might be giving him a second chance.

He takes a deep breath.

There's no harm in taking a detour, he thinks.

He walks, following the familiar path, trying not to think too hard about what he's doing.

It doesn't take him long to reach the building. He hesitates in front of it, looking up at the facade. It looks just as it did the last time he was here. Same lobby, same doorman, same lift. They haven’t even fixed the panel that's been sticking, and it takes a good deal of force for him to press the button for your floor.

The doors close, and he stares at his reflection, at the dark circles under his eyes, the scruff that has accumulated on his cheeks and chin, the lines that have appeared at the corners of his eyes and across his forehead. And then his gaze wanders to the ports and implants, the reminder of what was taken from him and what he was left with. He traces the outline of one with his thumb, remembering how he used to be.

He looks tired.

What are you doing? He asks himself.

He's not sure what he's expecting, doesn't have a plan for what will happen. All he knows is that he can't get the image of you out of his head. He imagines you coming home from work, and him being there, waiting. Would you be surprised? Happy? What would you say? What would he say?

Echo sighs.

He's an idiot.

The lift dings, and the doors slide open.

Your apartment is halfway down the hall, and Echo's stomach clenches with each step he takes. He reaches it and stands outside for a minute, running his fingers over the metal door, staring at the numbers painted on the surface.

It's just a door, he tells himself. Nothing special. Just a door.

His hand moves on its own, hovering over the bell. He waits, listens. There's no sound coming from inside, no music, no voices. Maybe you're not home yet.

Or maybe you're out. Maybe you're not alone.

He rings the bell and holds his breath, counting the seconds.

One. Two. Three. Four.

Nothing.

Echo rings again, this time holding the button down for a few extra seconds, listening for any sign of movement.

There's nothing.

The knot in his stomach tightens, and he releases the button, letting out the breath he'd been holding. He runs a hand over his face, feeling the heat of his skin through his glove. He's sweating.

Well, that's it, then.

He'd thought he was prepared for this possibility, but hearing the silence behind the door and knowing that you aren't home has shaken him more than he anticipated.

Maybe this is for the best, he thinks. It's better this way. Safer.

But the disappointment is palpable.

He's not sure what to do. He considers waiting a little longer, just to make sure, but the more he thinks about it, the more stupid it seems. He doesn't belong here anymore. He shouldn't be here, standing outside your door, hoping for something that won't happen.

He needs to go.

As Echo turns away from the door, a voice calls out behind him.

"Can I help you?"

For half a second, he's sure he imagined it, sure that it's just his brain playing tricks on him, taunting him. But then the voice speaks again.

"Are you looking for someone?"

Echo spins around, heart leaping into his throat, and there you are.

Standing there, a few paces away, is the woman he's been dreaming about, the one he's thought about every day, the one he's missed so much that it hurts.

Your hair is different, longer than he's ever seen it, pulled away from your face. You're wearing a dress, something he's only seen a handful of times, and your makeup is impeccable, but he can still see the hint of tiredness behind your eyes. He wonders how many hours you've put in at work this week, how much you've had to fight for your clients.

But the most noticeable change is that you're looking at him. Your datapad is held loosely in your hands, a bag of groceries on your hip, and you’re staring at him, your brow furrowed in confusion.

He doesn’t blame you.

This is a strange situation, and you must be wondering who the hell is standing in front of you, why they rang your bell and then walked away.

"Um," Echo says, suddenly aware that he hasn't spoken. He clears his throat, trying to gather his wits. He didn't think this through. "Hi."

You blink, clearly not expecting that response.

"Hi," you reply, warily.

Echo tries to say something, but the words won't come.

He's frozen in place, staring at you, unable to do anything except take in your appearance, drinking in the sight of you. He didn't realize how much he needed to see you until now, and the relief he feels is overwhelming.

"Do I..." You trail off, studying him carefully. "Do I know you?"

He feels his heart break, just a little.

You don't recognize him. Of course, you wouldn't. It's been so long, and he's not the same man you knew. His face is one of thousands, identical and interchangeable. He doesn't even look like a clone anymore, not really. He's more machine than man, now, and he has no idea how he expected you to see him.

"Yeah," he manages to say, his voice hoarse. "Yeah, you do."

You raise your eyebrows, waiting. When he doesn't say anything else, you take a step towards him, squinting a little. He can feel the tension in his body, can sense your scrutiny. It's not comfortable, but it's not unpleasant, either.

"Sorry," you say, sounding frustrated, "I can't quite —"

You stop, your eyes widening, and Echo can see the exact moment it clicks.

"Oh," you gasp, covering your mouth with a shaking hand. The motion makes the paper bag of groceries on your arm start to slip, and Echo rushes forward to catch it, placing it on the floor by your feet. He stands up, and he can feel your eyes on him, can see the tears beginning to well up, can hear your breathing quicken.

He waits.

"Echo?" Your voice is soft, tentative, like you're not sure if he's real or not. Like he's some kind of ghost. He's not sure that's not what he is.

"Hey, cyar'ika," he says. His voice cracks, and he clears his throat again.

A small, incredulous laugh escapes you.

"Hi," you breathe. You cover your mouth again, trying to stifle the sob that rises from your chest. "I —" 

You let out a shaky breath, and then another, and then all of a sudden, you're crying, tears streaming down your face. Your hands come up to wipe them away, but more keep falling, and Echo is overwhelmed with the desire to hold you, to take away the pain and the sadness, to make everything right. But he doesn't know if he's allowed, doesn't know if it would be welcome. So instead, he just stands there, helpless.

"I'm sorry," you hiccup, wiping your face with the back of your hand. "I can't believe it's you."

He smiles at that, his own eyes burning. "It's me," he confirms. "I'm here."

You're shaking your head, your eyes never leaving his face, as if you're afraid that he might disappear if you look away. He doesn't blame you, and he does his best to stay as still as possible. The last thing he wants is to scare you, or make you think he's going to leave. Not when he just got here.

"I thought..." You start, and then trail off.

"I know."

You swallow hard, taking a moment to compose yourself. "I thought you were dead."

Echo winces. He's heard those words from a lot of people, but coming from you, they hurt. "Yeah, I, uh... I thought so, too, for a while."

He sees the look of horror that crosses your face, the way your eyes grow wet again, and he wishes he hadn't said it.

"How... How long have you been back?" you ask. Your voice is quiet, strained, and Echo can hear the question underneath, the one you're afraid to ask. The one that makes his stomach twist into knots.

"Not long," he answers, trying to keep his tone even, light. "Only a couple months, really."

"Months?" you repeat, incredulous. "You've been back for months?"

Echo shifts uncomfortably and nods. "Yeah."

You stare at him, your mouth opening and closing as you search for words. "And... And you didn't comm me?"

"I, uh... No."

You let out a sharp exhale and turn away, bringing your hands to your face, and he can see that you're starting to shake again. You're silent for a moment, and he can feel his heart pounding, can feel the blood rushing in his ears. His stomach churns, and he feels like he's going to be sick.

"Why?" Your voice is tight, controlled. It's the same voice you use when you're working, the one you use to keep yourself calm, to keep yourself from getting angry.

"I just... I wasn't..." Echo trails off, not sure what to say. I wasn't sure if I was coming back? That's true, but not the whole truth. I wasn't sure you'd want to see me? Also true, but also not the full answer. I wasn't sure I was worth it? Yeah, that's the one.

But he can't say it.

He doesn't know if it's fear or guilt or shame, but whatever it is, it keeps the words stuck in his throat. You're waiting for an answer, and he's not sure he has one.

"Echo," you say, your voice a warning. You turn to face him again, and he can see the hurt and frustration in your eyes. He wants to hold you, wants to apologize, wants to take it all back. But he doesn't move. He can't.

"Why?" you repeat, more forcefully this time.

"I didn't want to bother you," he says. It's the best answer he can come up with, and the worst part is that it's also true. At least, that's what he tells himself.

But the moment the words leave his mouth, he knows it's the wrong thing to say. You stiffen, and then your jaw tightens. He can tell that you're barely holding it together, and he wants to say something, to explain, but he doesn't get the chance.

"You didn't want to bother me," you repeat, and Echo can hear the anger in your voice, can feel the sting of it. "I'm sorry, did I not make it clear how much I care about you?"

"No, you did," Echo says, backtracking, trying to placate you. "You did, I promise."

"Then please explain how you thought keeping me in the dark about the fact that the man I love was still alive and well was not a bother."

The word "love" hits him like a punch to the gut.

You love him. You still love him. You're still here, and you're still loving him, even after everything. He doesn't understand, doesn't know why. Doesn't know how. But he doesn't have time to think about it, not with the way you're looking at him, the hurt and confusion clear on your face.

"That's not what I meant," he says, his voice low, pleading. "It's not that. I promise."

You let out a shaky sigh, crossing your arms over your chest. "What's the difference, then?"

Echo opens his mouth, and then closes it again, not knowing what to say.

"I mourned you," you say. Your voice is soft, almost a whisper, but it sounds loud in the silence between the two of you. "I loved you, and I mourned you, and I was doing okay, and then you just show up, and act like it's no big deal, like I didn't spend weeks, months waiting for you to come back, hoping you'd come back, and..."

Your voice cracks, and a fresh wave of tears begins to roll down your cheeks. Echo reaches out to brush them away, and you flinch. The motion stings, but he doesn't say anything, doesn't push it. He lets his hand drop to his side.

"I'm sorry," he says. "I didn't... I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Yeah, well, you did," you say, sniffling.

The words hit him harder than he expects, and he feels his throat tighten.

"I didn't know what to say," he admits, his voice breaking. "I didn't know what to do."

"Why not?" you ask, and your anger has softened, turning into something else. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No!" Echo says quickly. "Of course not. You were perfect. You were... You were amazing."

You look at him, and there's a vulnerability in your eyes that makes him want to gather you in his arms and never let go. He thinks maybe he should. But before he can, you speak.

"So what happened?" you ask. Your voice is quiet, but Echo can hear the desperation, the need for an answer. "Where were you? Why didn't you come back?"

“I—“ Echo looks around, suddenly aware of the hallway and the closed doors surrounding him, closing in on him. The space is too small, the walls are too close, the air is too thick. He feels trapped, like the world is closing in around him, and he takes a step back.

"Can we... Can we not do this out here?" he asks, trying not to let his voice betray his panic.

You study him for a moment, considering. He doesn't blame you. After all, he'd shown up out of the blue, and you had every right to be suspicious. You're still crying, but there's a steeliness in your gaze, and he can tell you're weighing your options, deciding if he's worth it or not. His heart hammers against his ribs as he waits, praying that you'll give him a chance.

Finally, you let out a sigh and nod.

"Yeah," you say, "sure."

You bend down to pick up the groceries, and Echo rushes forward, scooping them up before you can. You look at him, surprised.

"Let me help," he says. "Please."

You hesitate, and Echo can see the worry on your face, but then you nod, fumbling for the keypad. The lock clicks open, and you push the door open, motioning for him to go ahead.

He steps inside, and the familiar scent of your apartment hits him hard. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed it, how much he'd come to associate it with safety and comfort. It makes his chest ache, and he takes a moment to steady himself, willing the tears to stop.

Your apartment is the same, and yet so different.

It's still cozy, but there's a coldness to the air, a lack of warmth. The curtains are closed, and the room is dark, the only light coming from the dim bulb above the stove in the kitchen. There are dishes stacked in the sink, and a few pieces of dirty laundry have been discarded on the couch. The floor is littered with shoes and other miscellaneous items, as if someone came home and kicked everything off their feet, leaving it all in a pile. Echo’s brow furrows at the mess, and he wonders when you started to let the place get this way.

"I'm sorry," you say, sounding embarrassed. You take the bag of groceries from him, your cheeks flushed. "I wasn't expecting company."

"Don't worry about it," he assures you.

"Here, let me..." You trail off, disappearing down the hall, and a moment later, he hears a door slam shut.

Echo stands there, unsure of what to do. His gaze wanders around the room, taking everything in, trying to find something to occupy himself with. It feels like years since he's been here, and the sensation is both comforting and strange. He remembers the nights he spent curled up next to you on the couch, the quiet mornings in the kitchen, the lazy afternoons spent in bed.

He shakes his head, trying to focus on the present.

You're back now, and he needs to concentrate.

He takes a seat at the kitchen table, drumming his fingers against the wood.

It's quiet, but Echo can hear you moving around, and he wonders if you're trying to clean up, trying to make the place a little more presentable. He doesn't care about any of that. He cares about you.

And he doesn't know what to say.

He runs his hand over his face, pressing the heel of his palm into his eye, trying to think. He's rehearsed this moment in his head, has imagined all the different ways it could go.

And now that it's actually happening, he can't remember a single one.

He's such an idiot.

The minutes pass, and you finally return. He hears you enter the room, the soft sound of your footsteps, but he can't bring himself to look up. Not yet.

"Echo," you say, and he can hear the hesitation in your voice. "What happened?"

"I don't know where to start," he confesses, dropping his hand and glancing up at you.

You've changed into something more comfortable, a pair of sweatpants and your favorite sweater, and your face is scrubbed clean, makeup-free. It's nice to see you this way, a reminder of the times you shared together, and the sight makes him smile.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Nothing, it's just..." He pauses, his eyes wandering over you. "I forgot how you looked in sweatpants."

You roll your eyes, but there's a hint of amusement on your face. "Seriously? You're sitting here, after being missing for months, and you're making fun of my fashion choices?"

"I'm not making fun of you," he says, chuckling. The pressure in his chest eases slightly, and he takes a breath. "I just meant that I missed seeing you this way."

You let out a quiet, disbelieving laugh, and then shake your head.

"You're unbelievable," you mutter.

Echo smiles, and for a moment, he feels normal. As if the last year never happened, and this was just a day like any other. As if he'd just come home from a mission, and you'd greet him with a kiss, and everything would be fine.

But then you sigh, and the moment is over.

"Look, I get that this is... Well, I'm sure this isn't what you were expecting," you say. You move to sit across from him, leaning your elbows on the table and resting your chin in your hands. "But we can't keep pretending like nothing happened. You have to talk to me."

Echo stares at you, his eyes taking in the familiar lines of your face, the curve of your lips, the color of your eyes. They aren’t as bright as he remembered, not as full of life, and the realization breaks his heart. This isn't how it's supposed to be.

"Okay," he begins, clearing his throat. "So, uh, this is going to be a lot."

"That's okay," you say gently. You give him a reassuring nod, and Echo feels a swell of gratitude for you. "Just... Start at the beginning, and we'll go from there."

"Right, the beginning." Echo nods, trying to organize his thoughts, and then he starts to speak.

He tells you everything, from the moment the explosion happened, to the moment he woke up and found himself in Rex's arms, everything in between. He tells you about his injuries, the surgeries, the physical therapy. He tells you about his time with the Batch, his newfound abilities, the things he's been able to do, the things he's learned. He talks about the missions, the jobs, the danger they've faced, and the risks they've taken. He tells you about the planets, the people, the experiences. He tries to leave nothing out, even the hard parts. The loss, the pain, the fear. He doesn't want to spare you any of it.

You sit there and listen, asking questions when necessary, but mostly staying silent. And when he's done, he sits there, feeling a strange sense of relief. He hadn't realized how much he needed to talk about everything, how much he'd been holding in. And he hadn't realized how good it would feel to tell you. To have someone who cared, someone he trusted, who knew him better than anyone.

When the words run out, and the room is silent, you let out a long, slow exhale. You sit there, your hands folded together, your gaze fixed on the tabletop, and Echo waits, not sure what to expect. But the longer the silence drags on, the more worried he gets.

"Cyar'ika?" he asks, his voice hesitant.

You take a breath and look up at him, and Echo is startled to see that your eyes are glassy, and there are fresh tear tracks running down your cheeks.

"Sorry," you apologize, wiping at them with your sleeve. "I'm not — I just..."

You take another breath, and then let it out, composing yourself. "Thank you," you say. "For telling me. I know that can't have been easy."

"It wasn't," Echo admits, and his throat tightens a little. "But I'm glad I did."

You offer him a small smile, but it doesn’t reach your eyes. You look like you’re far away, lost in your own thoughts, and Echo has a feeling you're not fully present, not in the moment. And he doesn't blame you. His words can't have been easy to hear.

"Is there anything else you want to know?" he asks, trying to break the silence.

You glance at him, your eyes focusing, and then look away, your jaw clenching. Echo can see the emotion on your face, can tell that you're struggling to stay calm, to hold it together. You've always been good at that, he thinks.

"I just..." You pause, taking a shaky breath, and Echo can see the tears forming in your eyes again. "I just don't understand."

He frowns, confused. "What do you mean?"

You close your eyes, taking a moment to collect yourself. Then, you stand up and begin pacing around the kitchen, your hands clasped behind your back. You move slowly, deliberately, your gaze fixed on the floor, like you're trying to make sense of something, figure something out. 

Echo watches you, feeling uneasy. You're not giving anything away, and the silence is starting to get to him. He's never seen you in the courtroom, but he imagines this is the stance you take when you're interrogating a witness. 

It's effective.

"Can you say something, please?" he asks. He knows he sounds desperate, but he doesn't care.

"I'm thinking," you say, and Echo bites his lip.

He feels like he's going to crawl out of his skin. He wants to get up, to follow you around the room, try to coax a response out of you. He wants to make this better, to make this right. But he knows that pushing you won't help, so he stays seated, trying to keep his patience.

 You continue to pace, your expression blank, and the seconds tick by, the only sound the muffled noises of the city outside. It feels like an eternity has passed when you finally stop, standing in front of him, your arms crossed.

"I can't believe you thought I wouldn't want to see you," you say. Your voice is low, almost a whisper, and there's an edge to it that Echo doesn't recognize. It's not anger, not exactly. It's something else, something deeper.

"I know," he replies, his voice just as quiet.

"I thought you were dead," you say, the words coming out in a rush. "I grieved you. I mourned you. And then you show up, and you're... You're alive, and you're here, and you think the best thing to do is to leave me alone?"

"I didn't know what would happen," Echo explains, trying to keep his tone calm. "I wasn't sure if I was coming back, and I didn't want to —"

"No," you say sharply, cutting him off. "That's not an excuse. That's bullshit, and you know it."

Echo swallows, and nods, not sure what to say.

"We made promises," you continue, and Echo can hear the anger in your voice, can see the frustration on your face. "To each other. We talked about our future, we said things that... We made things that were real, and then you just decided it was too much, and you walked away. What the hell is that?"

"I'm sorry," Echo says around the lump forming in his throat. "I shouldn't have —"

"No," you interrupt, your eyes burning. "You shouldn't have."

Echo looks at you, and he feels like he's going to shatter. You’re staring at him with such intensity, and there's an anger in your gaze that he hasn't seen before. It's so different from the gentle look you usually give him, and it makes him ache.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," he says. "I swear, I didn't."

"Then why did you?" you ask, and there's a note of pleading in your voice. “I spent so long wondering, worrying, and you just... You didn't care."

"Of course I did," he argues. "It wasn't about that."

"Then what was it about, Echo?" you demand. "What was so important that you thought you couldn't tell me? That you couldn't comm me, or send a message, or do anything that would have let me know you were alive? That would have told me you were okay?"

"I didn't think —"

"What, that I'd care? That I'd worry? That I'd miss you? That I'd wonder where you were, and if you were okay, and what the hell happened to you?" you say, your voice rising.

Echo can feel the frustration building inside him, and he knows he shouldn't respond, knows that getting angry won't help, but the words tumble out before he can stop them. "I'm sorry," he snaps. "I wasn't exactly thinking clearly."

"That's not an excuse," you snap back, and Echo blinks, shocked. You're the most level-headed person he's ever met, and he's never heard you yell before.

"Yeah, well, it's the best one I've got," he says.

"Echo, I loved you," you say, and the past tense stings. "When Fives told me what happened to you, I —" Your voice catches, and the fight goes out of him. He can see the pain on your face, the hurt in your eyes, and he can't help but feel responsible. "I can't even describe it. It felt like my whole world was ending. And I don’t blame you for doing your duty, but I do blame you for not coming back to me."

"I know," he whispers. "I'm sorry. I really am."

You shake your head, turning away from him. "Why didn't you comm me?"

Echo hesitates. He doesn't want to admit his fears, his worries, the insecurities that have plagued him. He doesn't want to tell you how much he doubted, how much he doubted you. It feels too vulnerable, too raw. And it would only make you feel worse. But the longer the silence stretches, the more you deserve the truth. And he can't avoid it forever.

"I didn't think I was worth it," he says, his voice low. He can feel the heat in his cheeks, the sting of embarrassment. He can't look at you, doesn't want to see the pity, the disappointment, the anger. "I didn't think I was worth it."

You turn to face him, your expression softening.

"You were all I had left," he says. He feels exposed, and it's not a comfortable feeling, but he can't stop now. Not with the way you're looking at him. Not when he's so close to fixing this, to getting you back. "After everything that happened, I just... I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't think you'd want to see me."

"You really thought I'd just leave you?"

Echo can hear the hurt in your voice, and he's surprised at the sharpness of it. He expected to be met with some amount of anger, but he didn't expect it to cut so deep. He didn't think his insecurities would upset you so much. He's used to it, by now. After everything he's been through, the doubts and worries have become a constant, an almost comforting presence. But you were never supposed to know about them.

"It's not that," he says. "I know you wouldn't have left me. It's just... I didn't want to drag you down with me."

"That's stupid," you reply. There's no malice in your voice, but there's no sympathy, either. "What makes you think I couldn't handle it?"

"It's not about what you could handle," Echo says. "You didn't sign up for this. You didn't sign up for any of it."

"I signed up for you," you argue, and Echo is startled by the fierceness of your tone.

"And look at what that got you."

You fall silent, and Echo regrets the words the second they leave his mouth. He's always known he wasn't good enough for you, but it's different to actually say it out loud. It makes it real. And he's not sure he's ready for that. But you're looking at him like you can't believe he said it, and the disappointment in your eyes makes him feel even worse. 

Your eyes rove over him, taking in the scarring, the metal implants, the ports and wires, the armor. You look like you’re seeing him for the first time, and the disgust and fear he’d thought might appear are nowhere to be found, just a profound sense of sadness and resignation.

"Oh, Echo," you breathe. The words are quiet, but they feel like a slap, and he has to look away, not wanting to meet your gaze.

"I'm not the man you knew," he says. He sounds defeated, even to his own ears. His eyes are burning, and he has to fight to keep the tears from falling. He hates how weak he feels, how small, how vulnerable. "I can't be. I'm... I'm not him anymore."

"Yes, you are," you insist. You reach out and take his hand, squeezing gently, and the sensation makes him jump. He'd almost forgotten how warm you are, how soft. How safe. He wants to hold on, to pull you close, to never let go. "You're still the same man, the same Echo, I just..."

"What?" he asks, when you trail off. "You just what?"

You sigh, dropping his hand and running your fingers through your hair, tugging lightly. The familiar gesture makes him ache. "I don't know, Echo," you admit. "I'm... I'm sad. And I'm angry. But I'm mostly just... Confused."

"Confused about what?"

"I'm confused as to why you didn't come back to me," you say. "I'm confused as to why you thought I'd want anything else."

"I thought you deserved better," he says, the words sounding hollow, even to his own ears. "I thought you deserved someone who was whole, who could give you a normal life, who didn't have a hundred years of baggage and trauma to deal with. And I was terrified that you already had that."

"Had what?"

"A normal life," he answers. "Without me. And the more I thought about it, the more I convinced myself it was true."

"It's not," you say. Your voice is quiet, but firm, and Echo looks at you, searching for any trace of doubt, of hesitation, of insincerity. But all he finds is determination, and it makes his heart clench. The intensity in your gaze is too much, and he has to look away. His eyes trail over the walls, the ceiling, the floor, lingering on the groceries on the table, the dishes in the sink, the empty bottles of wine shoved into the trash, the pile of laundry on the couch. There’s a dent in the wall that wasn't there the last time he was here, and the carpet is worn. He wonders when that happened.

He feels a tug on his arm, and then you're reaching up to cup his face, your hands soft and warm. You turn his head to face you, your thumb stroking his cheek. The touch is gentle, comforting, and Echo can't stop the sigh that escapes him. It's been so long since someone touched him like this, and it's nice. It's more than nice. It's familiar. It's safe. It's home.

"I only wanted you," you whisper.

"Even after everything?" he asks. He doesn't mean to sound so incredulous, but he can't help it. He's spent so long convincing himself that you were better off without him, and now, hearing you say the opposite, hearing you say the words he'd only ever hoped for, the ones he'd tried to convince himself were true... It's a lot to take in.

"Even after everything," you affirm.

"You could have had anyone," he says. "Why me?"

"Because I love you," you answer, as if it's the simplest thing in the galaxy. As if it's the most obvious thing in the universe. "And I don't want anyone else."

"Cyar'ika..." His voice cracks, and the tears are falling freely now. You wipe them away, and the touch makes his chest ache.

"I've never stopped loving you, Echo," you say. Your voice is barely audible, but Echo hears it. And it's the best sound he's ever heard. "And I don't plan on stopping now."

"I'm sorry," he says. "I'm sorry I left you, and I'm sorry I didn't comm you, and I'm sorry I was such a coward, and I'm —"

"Shh," you murmur, cutting him off. "I forgive you."

Echo can't speak. He's not sure he can move, can't even breathe. The relief is overwhelming, and it threatens to knock him off his feet. His chest tightens, and the tears won't stop falling, and he doesn't know what to do. He's missed you so much, has regretted leaving every single day, and now that you're here, now that he has you back, he can't find the words to express how grateful he is, how relieved, how happy.

"You really thought I was going to leave you?" you ask, and Echo can hear the note of humor in your voice, can see the ghost of a smile on your face. It's reassuring, and he lets himself smile, too.

"Honestly? Yes," he admits.

"Never," you reply.

Echo leans down and rests his forehead against yours, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. You move your hands down his face, brushing the tears away with your thumbs, before bringing them around his neck, wrapping your arms around him. He moves to do the same, pulling you closer and wrapping his arms around your waist. You let out a quiet gasp of surprise, and Echo chuckles, holding you tighter.

"I missed you," he whispers, and it feels good to say the words out loud. "So much."

"I missed you, too," you say, your breath warm against his neck. You tilt your head and press a kiss against his throat, and Echo feels his heart stutter. "More than I can say."

Echo hums and pulls away, bringing his hand up to brush the hair away from your face. Your skin is warm, and soft, and he leans in and presses a kiss against your forehead, savoring the contact. You sigh, and he can't resist the urge to kiss you again, this time on the cheek.

"Echo," you murmur, letting out a shaky breath.

He kisses the corner of your mouth, and then your jaw, and your grip on his neck tightens, your fingers digging into the fabric of his blacks. He moves down your throat, trailing kisses along the column of your neck, and you gasp.

"I missed you, too," he murmurs, and you laugh.

"Yeah, I got that," you say. "Now, will you please kiss me?"

Echo smiles and obliges.

The kiss is soft and sweet, and it tastes like home. He cups the back of your neck, his scomp moving to rest on your hip, and you let out a pleased noise, your hands sliding down to his shoulders. The warmth of your mouth, the way your lips part, the little gasps and sighs you make, it all makes him want to get closer, to be nearer.

You break the kiss, and Echo lets out a quiet whimper. You chuckle and rest your head on his shoulder, and Echo brings his hand up to stroke your hair, his fingers combing through the strands. You sigh and lean into his touch, and he can't help the contented smile that spreads across his face.

"I'm glad you're here," you murmur. "I'm glad you came back."

"Me, too," he says. He tilts your head up and presses a kiss to your temple, his lips lingering. You close your eyes and nuzzle his neck, and Echo sighs, holding you close. It feels so good to have you in his arms again, to be able to hold you, and he wishes he could stay here forever. But the reality of the situation catches up with him, and he can't help the wave of guilt that washes over him.

"I'm sorry, Cyar'ika," he says.

You frown, and pull away slightly. "What are you apologizing for?"

"I didn't think this through," he admits. "I... I didn't know what was going to happen, and now..." He pauses, letting out a frustrated sigh. "I just... I'm sorry. I’m leaving soon, and I know it's going to be hard, and I know you're going to have to say goodbye again, and I'm —"

"Echo," you interrupt, and your voice is firm. You put your hand on his chest, and he can feel the heat of it, even through the layers of armor and clothing. "I know what I signed up for. I'm not expecting anything different."

"But —"

"No," you cut him off. "No buts. I knew what this was, Echo. And I still want it."

"But you shouldn't have to," Echo argues. "I don't want to put you through that."

"Well, it's a little late for that," you reply. Your tone is sharp, and Echo winces. "Look, Echo. I know the situation isn't ideal, but I'm not going to walk away because it's hard. And I'm not going to stop caring just because it hurts." You look at him, and the determination in your gaze makes his heart skip a beat. "You're worth it, okay? No matter what."

"Cyar'ika —"

"No," you say, shaking your head. "You're not changing my mind. You can try, but it's not going to work. So don't waste your time." You give him a stern look, and then your face softens. "Okay?"

"Okay," Echo agrees. He knows it's futile to argue. He's never been able to say no to you. Not when it matters. "I'm still sorry, though."

You roll your eyes, and then stand on your toes and give him a quick kiss. "You're lucky I love you," you say, and the words make him feel lighter.

"Yeah, I am," he agrees, grinning.

"So, what now?" you ask.

Echo shrugs, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. He's been so focused on finding you, on convincing you to forgive him, on making things right, that he hasn't thought about what comes next. The prospect of it is both exhilarating and terrifying, and he doesn't know where to start. There's so much to do, and so little time. And he doesn't want to waste another second.

"Do you want to stay?" you offer.

"Stay?"

"Here," you clarify. "For a while. I don't know how long you can, but..." You pause, a flush spreading across your cheeks. “I was going to make dinner. If you wanted to stay."

"Dinner?" Echo repeats, and he can't hide the excitement in his voice. The idea of a home-cooked meal is so far removed from his life now, so distant, that the thought of it almost makes him lightheaded. "Really?"

You laugh, and the sound fills him with warmth. "Yes, Echo. Really."

"What are you making?" he asks. The question sounds childish, and he can't believe how eager he is, how excited.

"Just a simple dish," you say. You move towards the counter and begin putting the groceries away, and Echo follows you, a smile spreading across his face. While you tell him about the recipe, he moves toward your sink, picking up a dish and turning the water on. You look over at him, and the fondness in your eyes makes him blush. "You don't have to do that, Echo."

"I know," he replies. "I want to."

"Well, alright then."

The two of you work together, talking and laughing as you wash the dishes and prepare the food. Echo feels lighter than he has in months, and it's a relief to be here with you, to have something normal and familiar to do. Something so domestic, so ordinary, and yet, so special.

He wants to remember this.

When the food is ready, you gesture to the table, and Echo takes a seat. You sit across from him, and for a moment, the two of you just look at each other. He's missed you, missed this. Missed being here, missed having someone who knew him, someone he could trust. Someone he could love.

You're both quiet, and Echo can see the wheels turning in your head, can see the way your eyes dart over him, taking everything in. You're cataloging, committing him to memory too. The realization hits him, and his chest tightens. He'll be leaving soon, and you're doing what you can to make sure you won't forget him. It's a sobering thought, and he's not sure how to handle it.

"Hey," you say, and Echo looks up, meeting your gaze. "It's okay. We'll be fine."

"How did you know?" he asks, startled.

You shrug. "It's written all over your face."

"I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I wish I could stay."

"It's okay," you repeat. “We have the night, and that’s more than enough. For now, let's just enjoy the time we have."

Echo nods.

You're right.

You always are.

You smile, and it's so beautiful, so genuine, that it takes his breath away. You reach across the table and take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He squeezes back, and you lean forward, resting your elbows on the table and putting your chin in your hand. The way you're looking at him, the affection in your eyes, it makes him feel like he's the only thing that matters, like he’s home.

And, right now, he is.

He's missed this.

He's missed you.

And as the two of you sit there, enjoying each other's company, Echo knows he's made the right choice. He knows that coming back was worth it, that finding you, fixing things, making things right, it's all been worth it. And he knows that, no matter what, he'll be back.

He'll find his way back to you.

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@marchingviolinist @deerspringdreams

[bitterchocoo]

A Red Herring

Scar | M. Reader as Sparkle [Honkai Star Rail]

----------

"A thousand faces in a thousand places... can you find the answer?"

----------

The cosmos is a vast place where many planets resigns. How fun~ So many worlds, so many universes, so many planets. What better way to spend time traveling the universe and spreading elation~? And this world.. one that has something called Tacet Discords? Oh how fun~

Walking through the extreme terrains the man merely smiles, humming a song and skipping along with no care whatsoever. Those.. Tacet Discords were certainly something but they're no match for someone of his.. expertise. It's bound for him to wreaked havoc upon this world. Because why not? It's be fun!

But it seems that his presence.. had caught the attention of someone...

"Hey, let me ask you something..." He stopped in his tracks, turning his head to glance at the stranger who decided to be oh so interested in him. "Is following me around like a lost puppy your way of getting my attention? You've been doing this for nearly half a system hour."

"Really now? I didn't notice! Time sure flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?" The stranger chuckles as he slowly approach the other with a huge grin on his face. This individual is quite.. entertaining.. playing the Tacet Discords like a fiddle.. it's rare to find such a person. How could he resist himself from following an entertaining man in red?

"Spare me." The man groans in response as he turns around to meet him face to face, he was about to say something before noticing a certain feature on him. "Beautiful eyes though." He may not be in the mood to deal with him, but he knows a beauty when he saw one. Such pretty heterochromia eyes..

"Why thank you~" His grin seems to widen at the compliment, stopping in his tracks, a few feet away from the man in red. "I'm Scar, it's a pleasure to meet a person like you~" Such an interesting man. One that's... foolish enough.. to play with Tacet Discords as if they are mere stray animals.. it's truly is such a pleasure to meet a man of his caliber. A man who uses the line between being a genius and being foolish like a jump rope.

"My eyes might not be as pretty as yours, but there's no problem with my vision..." The other began slowly. "The Fractsidus are quite notorious throughout the galaxy.. liars, thieves, social manipulators, wolves in sheep's clothing..." He stated with clear annoyance in his tone.

"Takes one to know one, dear."

Oh ho. He's playing that card huh? "Cut it out and go home, you slick talker. We are Fools, but we aren't stupid." Fools? Ah! So that's why this man in red is so interesting.. "Ah! So you're one of those elusive Masked Fools! No wonder you're so fascinating." Scar commented with a chuckle. Now this had just gotten far more entertainingentertaining. Never would he thought he'll ever meet such an elusive figure.

"Why don't you join me? I'd say the Fractsidus suits you more."

He sighs at Scar words. "Listen, little fishy. If you want the Masked Fools to get onboard, you need to figure out what it is The Laughter wants."

"The Masked Fools? Oh no no no no… my dear, I want you." Scar laughs. It doesn't matter that the other is a Masked Fool, the fact that there's someone out there who willingly toys with the Tacet Discords like how he does? Now that's a find. A rare find. And no way is he going to let this one go.

That bold statement results in a laugh coming from the Fool. Oh how flattering. Someone actually wanted him? Just like that? Well he's on a ride for the unexpected. "Scar was it? Then you can call me [Name]."

----------

A Fool and a Fractsidus.. what's the worst that could happen?

[demonic0angel]

More Jazz Forms (click for clarity)

TW: disturbing content, body horror

1) Head only Jazz

+ She is a head that walks on a bunch of mysterious tentacles. She’s inspired by a CN novel called “Let the Villain Go” in a chapter where a demon pops up and is described as a head that walks on tentacles (I may be delulu and remembered it wrong).

+ Around 900 feet tall. Most of the height is her tentacles, but her head is still around 100 feet tall.

+ Jason is a little obsessed with how huge she is. When he is away, she stays standing over his apartment like a creepy water storage tank. Nobody can see her except liminals and ghosts, so she remains undetected by Jason’s side.

+ She is generally peaceful and doesn’t move much. She is a relatively quiet being with no explicit ability to defend herself or attack. I imagine her to be very dreamy, despite her piercing stare.

2) Celestial Object Jazz

+ She is a quasi-stellar radio source, AKA a quasar :)

+ Impossibly large and infinite. She is so big that her gravitational pull is pulling apart a piece of the universe. Jason thinks that she’s beautiful, and he looks for her every night. He uses special technology to see her on Earth and when he can, he sneaks onto the Watchtower to look at her.

+ The mass of the black hole that she is made of is around 150 billion solar masses. She is located extremely far from the Milky Way within the largest galaxy of the universe. Since she is technically both the black hole and the gas that surrounds it, she won’t be fading for awhile.

+ Her origin is unknown in this idea (but is related to her siblings, who have all become celestial objects themselves). Her existence is extremely old and that is partially Clockwork’s fault.

3) Corrupted Jazz

+ She has become corrupted from years of ectoplasm, death, and generally instability. The tentacles that come from her stomach is actually just pieces of her soul that are trying to reach for others. She calls for help, but no one but Jason has been reaching out.

+ She cannot be around people for too long, or she causes insanity, violent mood swings, headaches, auditory and visual hallucinations, paranoia, nosebleeds, and general weakness, even if they cannot see her. Jason is somewhat resistant to her, but she heavily restrains herself so the effects of her existence won’t hurt him.

+ She tries to stay away from Jason, but bc she’s so clingy, she watches him from a distance. Her presence brings shadows and darkness, so he’s also been getting a reputation of scaring criminals to pissing themselves whenever he comes by.

+ Her body is covered in shadows, but she glows a little from the ectoplasm, so her silhouette can be vaguely seen.

4) Monochrome Jazz

+ Inspired by Lady Dimitrescu and Hachishakusama

+ She dresses in all black and her skin is pale as well. A hat and face mask cover all available skin on her face. Any skin below the neck is also covered.

+ She is around 9 feet tall. She stalks Jason whenever she can and always follows him around. She is extremely hostile and dangerous and does not hesitate to attack when she feels even the slightest bit threatened. She is also completely mute.

+ She is both a ghost and an urban legend, hence why she looks like that. Underneath her mask is a mouth of razor sharp teeth like a moray eel.

5) Wolf Jazz

+ Inspired by Jason’s Red Hood motif that is similar to Little Red Riding Hood. That’s also why I associate Jazz with so many canine themes :)

+ Black fur, several pairs of eyes, and two sets of deformed ears. I am debating whether or not she also has 3 pairs of legs.

+ She follows Jason around like a dog, but does not behave like a pet. As such, he can’t order her around unless she wants to listen to him. Thankfully, she likes cooperating with him and the two of them terrorize the criminals of Crime Alley.

+ She is around 5 feet tall when standing on all fours, but when she stands up on her hind legs, she is around 9 feet tall. She is very fluffy.

[gabessquishytum]

Time for some dreamling crack! I apologize for the length, it got out of control. Destiny is done. He's just done, okay? He's had enough of his parents who were never there, siblings who are constantly up to some shit, and his ultra-serious job with no vacations. Moreover, being constantly chained to a book (especially when it's such a huge and heavy book) sucks. So, one day he makes an ultimate decision to go on a holiday into some remote galaxy for a century or two, but first, he needs to complete one task that he actually assigned to himself. Technically, he's not supposed to intervene and all that cosmic bullshit, but he's Destiny, and that's his destiny, pun intended. He's the CEO! The year is 1389. Destiny calls Death and tells her they need to go to Dream asap. She's surprised and slightly worried but obeys without questions. Dream is even more surprised - Destiny normally never visits, so the circumstances must be exceptional. Which they are. Destiny is in no mood for pleasantries and gets straight to the business, informing Dream that he needs to get laid for the common good. Dream bluescreens, and so does Death. 'I beg you pardon?' Dream blinks. Destiny never jokes, and he must have misheard… But Destiny, in his impassive, 100% serious tone, repeats that Dream does need to get laid. To prevent the deaths of thousands of dreamers in the 20th century, to prevent the grudge with hell, to save multiple dreams and nightmares, etc., but ultimately, to save himself from the ill fate. 'All this can be prevented if I get laid?' Dream's metaphorical head is spinning. 'Yes,' Destiny deadpans. 'Okay...' Death interrupts cautiously. 'Why am I here, though?' 'Because he needs to get laid regularly, and there is only one human who can handle this task. He must be made immortal for this reason.'

Dream feels like the Dream.exe file has been irrevocably damaged. 'I need to get laid regularly?' He repeats weakly. 'Brother, you know how important my function is. I have no time for-' 'This is exactly why you meet your doom in all the futures but one.' '…where I'm getting laid?' Destiny nods. Death beams. Dream pales to a previously unexisting shade of white. Without further ado, Destiny takes them all to the White Horse, buys some ale (his vacation mood starts to kick in - he expected more objections from Dream), and nods at one table. 'Robert Gadling. He is the chosen one.' 'Brother, you surely do not want me to lay with a mortal who has fleas and hasn't bathed for Delirium knows how long,' says terrified Dream. 'I surely do. Fleas are the least of your potential problems, little brother.' 'Alright.' Death says. 'Robert Gadling is immortal now. Can I go?' Destiny nods again. Death smiles and, before disappearing, loudly whispers to Dream to invite her to the wedding. Dream glances one last time at his brother and approaches Robert's table. If this is his destiny...and it's for the greater good of the universe and dreamers...Besides, this Robert Gadling is quite handsome - well, unwashed and smelly, but handsome still. Destiny is very pleased. Now, he only needs to sign up Desire for a few millennia of uncancellable therapy, and he can go drink his cocktails in a galaxy far, far away!

I love this, thank you so much for writing it all out. It really made me chuckle.

I'm absolutely obsessed with the idea of Destiny just getting really sick of the universe and all the bullshit that it contains. He's the equivalent of a harassed middle aged working parent attempting to keep everything under control and inevitably watching it all go to shit. He deserves such a good vacation, I hope there's a really good spa in the galaxy he's picked out.

Being the oldest sibling is hard, even when you come from a family of cosmic entities. And honestly? Destiny kind of likes the look of his new human brother-in-law. If this guy can keep Dream from going off the rails then that's wonderful, but the fact that he's cute? Also helps. Destiny may be blind but he is not immune to the Hobpropaganda. He's actually kind of not dreading the next family dinner? He can already see that it's going to run a whole lot smoother with Hob around the table.

But first: bottomless mimosas in a different star system. Bye, losers!

[rex101111]

Ratchet and Clank size matters got added to the PSN store and I got a a major nostalgia pang so I went "eh, why not" and quickly played through it. And I do mean quickly, I know it was a PSP title but dang, last time I finished a R&C game this quick i played Nexus. Anyway, the thing that struck me about this game is that Ratchet is...a bit of an asshole here. And that struck me as odd because for the last few entries...he isn't.

Like this is still early series Ratchet, still on the PS2/PSP, released just before the first PS3 title, which was in retrospect a bit of an incredibly soft reboot. In the newer games, Ratchet is a fairly straight forward protag, nice, willing to help, only a little bit sarcastic if he's really strapped for time or dealing with someone especially annoying. Early Ratchet? Early Ratchet was a jackass, a dick, a selfish, quick tempered loner that only went on this quest because there was a tangible, direct benefit to him specifically. Seriously, in the first game Ratchet couldn't go two sentences without insulting somebody, and that's when he's in a good mood. In act 2 he's even worse, gnashing his teeth at everyone he talks to and threatening to sell Clank for scrap. It takes hours of in game time and half a dozen levels before Ratchet finally chills out, and a few more levels before he actually resolves to act like any sort of hero, and even that only happens after something he personally cares about gets threatened. Ratchet could give a damn, he can be convinced to help people, but he's still a selfish person who needs the situation rubbed in his nose before he realizes how dire it is. Clank having faith in him, throughout the entire game, even when he's being a dick, even when Clank himself is furious with him, meant something. When in the penultimate level he says "that's the Ratchet I always knew was there" and Ratchet brushes him off, you buy it, that beneath this sharp outside there's someone with the capacity to be a hero, an actual hero, a hero who isn't selfless, but one capable of overcoming his selfishness when it matters most.

Back when the first game came out, people complained about this, about their platformer mascot protag being a huge dick, and even the very next game addressed this by toning him down a smidge, but Ratchet in the PS2 trilogy is still very much not a perfect sunshine person. He's very sarcastic, pretty cynical, is very quick to call other people on their bullshit, and still has a very short temper. (Plasma city, anyone?) Ratchet had texture to him, he bounced off the much more straightforwardly nice Clank in a lot of ways, their friendship felt like it had weight and meant something because these two had so many differences between them that the fact they did get along so well and cared about each other so much showed that their friendship was genuine. I like the newer Ratchet and Clank games, played every one of them, but I've never been really happy with the direction they took with Ratchet. Each game made him nicer, friendlier, smoothing down his edges. And the reboot game had it the worst, they retold the first story, where Ratchet was at his worst and a major thread of the plot was him learning to get over his bullshit, but had the sanded down kitty cat of the later games instead of having confidence in their early work. Dickhead Ratchet worked, he had a place and it gave him a place to grow, while still maintaining his inherit sharpness. Ratchet should get to be an asshole again, just for a bit, let him get angry, properly. Sure, he's a hero who's saved two galaxies three times over and then some, but he did that while being a sarcastic little shit who made a joke about a plumber's ass crack showing and fired rockets at people while complaining about how high the prices are everywhere he went.

I dunno, maybe its a bit too late in the game to say this, but something got lost in the shuffle a while back, and getting a reminder of what was simply put it into perspective for me.

[archivistofnerddom]

The Batch + Life In Retirement On Pabu

Slightly AU: Tech lives, though he’s got a prosthetic leg as a result of his fall.

Hunter’s fashion sense swiftly nose-dives into that of every dad at an amusement park. Don’t ask why that happened so quickly. It just did. He’s rocking cargo shorts, corny shirts, and comfy shoes like they’re going out of style. (Crosshair gave him a tactical fanny pack as a joke. Hunter wears it all the time with all due seriousness.) It takes years for the rest of the Batch to get him to branch out from that.

Tech alternates between his space jeans and sweatpants, depending on his mood. The sweatpants were necessary when he first got his prosthetic leg during his post-Eriadu recovery process. He too starts wearing ironic shirts, but somehow makes them more fashionable than Hunter.

Crosshair has the widest selection of island-appropriate hats and sunglasses anyone has ever seen. No one knows how he gets so many, and he’s certainly not going to tell on himself. Omega is the reason why he has so many floral-print shirts though.

Wrecker discovers overalls and pretty much lives in them. No less than half of his overalls have the legs cut off at the knees. This is more practical than fashionable though. He’s just so big that he has a hard time finding pants that fit him at the waist and have a long enough pant leg.

Omega finally gets to decide on her preferred style now that they’re permanently in one place. She still wears a lot of hand-me-downs from her brothers though. Omega spends a lot of time helping out around the island, so she needs clothes that no one minds her getting dirty or ruined when she’s working on a project.

Echo has an extensive collection of sarongs he stores on Pabu that he only busts out when he’s visiting. Rex knows not to ask Echo to do anything if he sees him wearing one. (Visiting the family on Pabu is the only time Echo gets a break or a chance to relax and destress.)

Batcher gets a pretty collar and a massively cushy bed. Someone starts bringing her sweaters to wear when she gets cold. (Crosshair is the leading suspect. Hunter won’t confess to anything.)

Wrecker has an extremely extensive cookbook and recipe collection. He picks up cooking as a hobby post-retirement, and he is really good at it. Given the diversity of people and species on Pabu, Wrecker spends a lot of time learning different recipes from across the galaxy.

Crosshair and Wrecker go fishing together pretty regularly. They don’t say a lot during those times, but that’s okay. Crosshair enjoys spotting where the best fishing areas are. Wrecker just sits back and lets his baby brother take the lead on this. (He brings snacks and a cooler of drinks to keep them fed and hydrated when they decide to make a day of it.)

Tech upgrades the Archeum to improve how things are stored and protected. Omega helps out. They spend a lot of time adding details about the specific items housed therein, including any historical details, cultural relevance, and any notes about how best to handle the items. They’re working with Phee on an oral history component to the Archeum as well, so that the stories about the items in the Archeum and the residents of Pabu are preserved.

Crosshair makes hammocks and strings them up around the island in random places. He says it’s so that he can take a nap wherever and whenever. Really, it’s just his contribution to life on Pabu. (Plus, making hammocks were good physical therapy when he got his new prosthetic hand.)

Omega instituted regular family game night. (Echo is expected to be there as his work with Rex allows.) Depending on their moods, Batch family game night is either extremely chill or extremely cutthroat. There is no in-between.

Wrecker is the first one to “move out” of the shared family house. It’s only because he built an upgraded kitchen with a huge family room attached. The shared family home couldn’t accommodate those upgrades. His house is two houses down and is still where everyone eats dinner almost every night.

Tech moved out second. He moved in with Phee. It was a combination of their evolving romantic relationship and him wanting to be closer to the island repair shop that he runs in his spare time. (Tech became the island’s mechanic once he recovered from the injuries he sustained on Eriadu.)

Hunter develops a massive green thumb. The family shared house (which eventually is just him, Omega, and Crosshair full-time) is overflowing with plant life. He built and maintains a greenhouse for Wrecker to grow speciality plants for his cooking.

Echo usually crashes with Wrecker when he comes to visit. Wrecker renovated part of his house to be prosthetic leg friendly and got a really comfy recliner for Echo. Crosshair put in a hammock for Echo in the backyard.

Crosshair, Hunter, and Omega go on early morning runs together. It’s their bonding time.

Tech upgraded the whole family’s prosthetic limbs many times over the years. Hunter made a point of keeping the older models as a reminder of how far they’ve come since they retired.

Batcher is the most spoiled dog on the island. She adores the attention and winds up becoming the unofficial therapy dog for every new resident and refugee who finds their way to Pabu.

[thefiery-phoenix]

YANDERE TODOMOMO HEADCANNONS

They were already dating by the time they met you. They though you were like everyone else, just a regular classmate of theirs, however, they had no idea how WRONG they were 

To be precise, you were actually kinda hard to ignore, the way your eyes lit and sparkled when people talked about your favorite thing, the way your dazzling smile could make a person see stars, the way your innocence shone through and the determination you always had to help people out no matter what was what attracted them to you. How could you expect BOTH of them NOT to fall INSANELY in love with you?

However, they were scared and nervous to ask you out since they thought that you might find them weird and creepy and so, they kept themselves satisfied by stalking you or 'keeping a close eye on you so nothing bad happens to you' and admired you from far 

As much as they find your will and iron determination too cute and adorable, they just PRAY and hope that you won't want to become a pro hero in the future since they're really worried about you getting hurt. One time, you had a really nasty gash on your arm after a villain attack and after that, Momo started sniffling and crying saying how she'd be devastated if something bad happened to you while Todoroki looked like he was going to someone's funeral. Let's just say that if they weren't clingy then, they MOST CERTAINLY WILL BE now 

They know their feelings are crazy, but they're so madly in love with you they can't ignore them. So if you find a mysterious love letter in your locker or small gifts for you here and there, that's no doubt Todoroki and Momo since they're rich kids and all, they just LOVE showing you how much they love you by yeeting presents in your locker (Anonymously, of course)

On a scale on 1-10, to you, they'll just be a solid 2 or 2.5 since you're their divine angel sent from the heavens itself for them to WORSHIP!! They have a GOD DAMN WAREHOUSE filled with all your favorite stuff and before you ask how the hell they managed to pull THAT off, as stated before, they're rich kids and so they have all the required resources and necessities for you to be satisfied 

They will get INSANELY jealous and be fuming with rage, envy and jealousy when they see you talking or laughing or smiling at someone else. They have the emotional range of a GALAXY when it comes to you. How DARE that filthy annoying pesky scumbag be right NEXT to you!? Oh gods.... he was TOUCHING you!! He PATTED your SHOULDER!!! Well, this is gonna drive 'em insane over the edge and they'll be plotting murder, that's for sure. Satan spawns 

When you get kidnapped, they'll understand how you feel and they'll be sympathetic. They might kidnap you if they think you're not capable of taking care of yourself and with proper planning, they're gonna keep you under their care. You guys in a mood for surprises? Well, you're gonna get a HUGE one now.....

Endeavour will find out about the obsession his youngest son and his girlfriend have for you and he's gonna actually ENCOURAGE IT, believe it or not (ENDATRASHHHHH I'm coming for ya) and GET THIS!!!: HE'S gonna be the one who's going to make sure you have everything you want and he'll install high tech level security systems around the place you guys are at 

Momo will worship TF outta you. She dresses you up in all sorts of fancy clothing, makes you eat overly rich food till you're gonna be BEGGING her to stop but she insists on treating you like royalty. Every touch is gonna feel like paradise and heaven for her. And she just wants to take good care of her darling little angel, and provide you with comfort and the BEST of the BEST!

Shoto's intentions towards you can be a bit....unpredictable. Momo might be a gullible yandere, ask for something, you get it. Shoto on the other tends to keep a close eye on you, suspicious whether you would be upto something and always makes sure to see what you're doing. His calculating look analyzes your every move before you can even act upon them

When it comes to punishments, Shoto ain't gonna take it easy on you. He wants to freeze and burn you mildly of course as a reminder that you belong ONLY to THEM and no one else but Momo will intervene and stop him and calm him down. At the very least, your punishment might be having your favorite things taken away from you but they just can't hurt you at all. They DON'T WANT to. Momo will NEVER EVER let Todoroki lay a hand on you and treat you wrong though it might take a while to gain back both of their trust

Aftercare with them is like paradise. They'll smother you with lots of love and treat you like a newfound puppy and take care of you like you're glass

When it comes to dealing with rivals and other enemies who want to steal you away from them , your 'protectors', they are a SOLID 100000000/10 and that people is a FACT! Seriously, whoever tries anything with you is just BEGGING them for a death wish and since they're pro heroes, they're gonna make their death look like some sort of accident after they're done torturing them. Lol, they make Sangwoo and Hitler look like Barney the Dinosaur when it comes to murder 

They're manipulative, controlling and possessive of you. Will constantly bicker as to where to take you out on dates after you finally develop Stockholm Syndrome

[writingamongther0ses]

The New Pet

Summary: Zavir is having a very rough day. The warlord's pet is probably having a worse one- at least they have a giant monster to befriend. Based on @flashfictionfridayofficial's prompt of Galaxies Away. It was either this or aliens deal with Earth's oceans.

Today was a horrible day for Zavir.

Scratch that, it had been a horrible month. Starting when he had been told- he hadn't even volunteered, he had been told like he was a common soldier- that he was going to be sneaking onto the ship of the most feared warlord in the universe.

To be fair, Pix Gui Haban was in a good mood. It was dangerous when he was in a good mood. That was when he wiped out species. Zavir's mission was to sneak on board and where and when Haban was attacking next. The part that was kept quiet was figuring out why the warlord was in a good mood.

There could be a few reasons. One, the Light just shone down on Haban. Two, Haban had just succeeded in a new conquest and the good mood lingered. The third was most horrifying.

Gui Haban could be in a good mood because he got a new pet.

Generally, new pets weren't a problem. Most species in the universe liked having animal companionship. The issue with Haban's pets, however, was that the Pix's pets were people.

Haban liked to kidnap members of rare or dying races and keep them until he got bored. Only four had ever escaped Haban's grasp, and that included Haban's sister, Gui Ava. Their stories were horrifying. Zavir's stomach turned whenever one let out a new piece of info.

So, yeah. The secret part of Zavir's mission was seeing if Haban had kidnapped a new person. If he did, he would have to figure out how to get them out or at least get the information out so the Federation could figure out how to rescue them.

That led into the horrible day.

Sneaking in had been easy. Zavir had trained himself to look like he was meant to be there. The trick was not secretly panicking. The issue was when he had to start poking around and stealing information and then accidentally triggered the alarms.

There was way too many alarms. He knew Gui Haban was a paranoid man, especially considering his species' history of civil war, but this felt like too much even for him.

Either way, guards started rushing around. Zavir flattened himself against the wall, trying to count the number of guards.

Then the wall had opened behind him.

Zavir fell back with a yelp. He should've expected this, considering Haban liked hidden doors. (Ava had complained about it many times, with her brother using them for dramatics or to stalk his prey.) Instead of a hallway, however, he found himself falling down a shaft, his tail aching as it whacked into the walls as he tried to slow his fall. It didn't work-

SPLASH.

Most species were weak to hydrogen hydroxide. Zavir's race, the Selken, were not. But that didn't mean that they liked water. Rather, it was the opposite- hydrogen hydroxide matted and tangled their fur to such a painful degree.

The minute he was submerged, he began to swim up. He looked around as he moved. He could see what looked to be glass, like something at an actual zoo and a feature of the quarters of the "pets". The hydrogen hydroxide meant that there was a few species that could be kept in here.

Then Zavir made the mistake of looking down.

He shrieked the minute he realized he was being stared at. The monster, because his frazzled mind couldn't think of what species it was, was huge. It stared at him with huge, beady eyes, like it was considering whether or not to eat him. That was all he could take in because the hydrogen hydroxide was rushing into his open mouth, of shit he was going to-

SPLASH!

He barely felt hands grab his arms and yank him up. In his daze, he thought he saw one of those hands move forward and make...make...make...okay, he was hallucinating. There was no way someone was stupid enough to shoo a giant monster.

Then his head breached the surface.

The person he hallucinated shooing grabbed his collar and started dragging him along. Zavir barely felt his back hit something soft in his haze.

The last thing he saw was green eyes, staring at him with concern, and then the silver collar she wore, the tag announcing her planet and species. His last thing was well, guess we know he got a new pet.

What was a human?

[restinslices]

I found your twilight post with the Lin Kuei brothers amusing and relatable 🤣

Can you do headcannons on watching marvel movies with the reader? Captain America is my favorite character in the movies lol

The MCU is huge so lmk if there was something specific you wanted to know about

Bi-Han

I don’t see any of them watching a lot of movies so you definitely introduced it to him 

He takes the longest time to finish the movies because it’s not on the top of his list when it comes to concerns 

He’s one of those overly critical watchers so he’s annoying as fuck to watch movies with 

I can see him liking Ultron

Why? I think he’d like the concept of Ultron and understand why he’s thinking the way he is 

The type to agree with Thanos until someone points out he could’ve just doubled the resources 

His favorite Phase is Phase 3 purely because Hela is his favorite character in the entire MCU 

He’s legit upset she was killed off 

I’d say which show is his favorite but I only watched Wandavision and TFATWS so moving on-

I don’t know if I see him reading the comics. Maybe if he’s curious enough 

The Avengers and The Guardians of The Galaxy are pinned against each other a lot, but what does he think?

I think it changes a lot. Depends on his mood

One thing’s for sure; he prefers the OG Avengers 

Not one of those Marvel fans that remembers everything and he doesn’t really stay up to date

Hasn’t even watched any of the shows yet 

Please bring Hela back and stop pissing him off. She ain’t do nothing wrong 

Quick afterthought 

He’s Team Cap

He don’t even wanna listen to Liu Kang. Why the fuck would he agree with the government controlling The Avengers?

Kuai Liang

NOT one of the overly critical watchers so thank fuck 

If he spots something that’s off, he’ll call it out but that’s as bad as it gets 

He likes a mix of villains and heroes

If the villains got a point, then they got a point. That’s just how it is.

He likes villains that can become better people. The pure evils ones he’s like “yeah you suck” but villains that are actually victims or who have done certain things but try to become better, he likes 

Because of that I’d say his favorite villain is The Winter Soldier 

He’s done terrible things but Kuai Liang feels pity for him and enjoys his story 

I think either Avengers or Civil War is his favorite movie 

He prefers the og era of the MCU and I think the Avengers as a whole reminds him of his family (petty as fuck towards each other but there’s ultimately love there) and Civil War was a banger

A situation where there’s technically not a right side is a topic I can see him liking 

With that being said, he is both Team Cap and Team Ironman 

Since he follows Liu Kang I can see him being like “sometimes teams need to be reined in and need someone to follow”

But in the same breath this is the same government that is corrupt and has proven themselves as not trustworthy 

And people could always die before the heroes are able to help

Then there’s Bucky and he once again understands why Steve wouldn’t tell but he also understands Tony’s anger 

He stays somewhat up to date when it comes to the new movies and shows 

He knows when they come out but he doesn’t see them right away 

Tomas

I can see him staying up to date and seeing the movies whenever he could 

Has possibly read some comics too?

Prefers Heroes 

Do I wanna say his favorite character is Spider-Man because the PS5 Spider-Man voices Tomas?

Yes

So that’s what imma do

Does he have a favorite Spider-Man?

I’m not sure. I can see him seeing the positives and negatives of all the Spidermen 

Team Cap for the accords 

Team Ironman for the Bucky situation 

His parents were killed so are we surprised? No

The type to see the positives of Phase 4 instead of just saying it’s shit 

Is it the best? No. But it’s not all ass. Damn.

He prefers the Guardians so when Gamora was killed, his heart was in SHAMBLES 

“Maybe Gamora and Peter can fall in love again”

I have bad news 

Favorite Phase is always changing. Each Phase has bangers and non bangers so it changes day to day 

I know I said he loved all the Spidermen but his favorite movie is probably a Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie 

Do not tell him the Avengers are more like coworkers than family. Do not fuck up his day 

He likes found family movies so he enjoys the movies that focus on the groups 

[just-some-trans-nobody]

Elder Yautja x reader who loves to cuddle.

No pronouns specified it's for everyone :)

Fluff, no warnings need but if you feel there should be comment them and I'll add then immediately.

No spell checking sorry if it's bad it's the first time I've writen a yautja story.

------------------------------------------------------------

At first he's a little confused on why his little oohman mate is holding onto his arm so often when he's working on polishing his trophies but kinda likes it, it makes hin feel a little prideful having his mate so close while he works on his trophies.

He absolutely will show off each one as he works on them. His ego will get so much bigger if you comment positive things about the trophies or ask questions about how he got them.

The sudden surprise hugs from behind had him freaked out at first thinking he was being attacked but then calmed down realizing it's only his mate hugging him. He doesn't mind it too much but he would prefer if you hugged him fron the front, he won't admit it but he absolutely loves it when you hug him from behind while he cooks for you. It melts his heart every time. He has to fight himself not to purr.

He's a gonner if you lay on his chest gently running yoir finger over one of his scars sleepily. Purring immediately.

His arms are wrapped around you as he lays there looking up at the ceiling purring. Your going getting out of his arms any time soon.

Absolutely love waking up to you in his arms in the morning clinging to him. He'll stay up for hours gently running his dull claws in your hair until you wake up.

His heart will stop if you give him a sleepy good morning kiss. It could be on his chest, cheek, forehead, hand, absolutely anywhere he's demanding more kisses before he lets the two of you start the day.

After a while of you being super cuddly and clingy to him he will start to get just as cuddly as you.

Wanting tv alone? No your not your cuddling while watching tv.

Trying to read a book? Your readung that book on his lap while he wrapps his arms around your waist, head resting on top of yours while he closes his eyes.

Making food? He's behind you hugging you as he watches you cook.

Trying to shower? He's there hugginging you. You have to tell him to either get out or take his amour off, who steps into a shower fully dressed just to get a hug?

If you don't give him a hug every five minutes he starts getting whinny wanting to hug his little mate.

He will just pick you up and hold you in his arms if he feels he's not getting enough affection, doesn't matter what size you are. He's huge and strong no matter what body type you have you weight nothing to him and it makes him so happy to have your body in his arms.

Loves to be the big spoon, he feels so close to you and feels like he can protect you in his big arms so much better if your little spoon but he wont say no to being the little spoon some times too. He thinks it's funny that you can't fully wrap your arms around him bit it still feels nice. Does prefer you being little spoon more sense you can burry his face in you and just take in your scent.

Will ignore his dutys just to cuddly you all day, is grumpy if he had to leave you when your in a super cuddly mood and will absolutely demand more cuddles once he gets back.

Sooo will use your lap as a pillow if you let him. He'll wrap his arms around your waist and burry his face in your thighs. Absolutely will nap there if you let him it's the best pillow in the galaxy.

Will let you do the same but his thighs are more muscle and not squish so it's not that comfortable for you. He will absolutely purr and play with your hair the whole time though.

[6rookie-writer0110]

Bring me to the edge

Yelena Belova x Male Reader

Request - yelena x Male Reader story about them celebrating with the avengers everyone's happy and alive so everyone just decides to party for no reason and became absolutely wasted and the next day R wakes up next to yelena and notice they have engagement rings on then they go outside everyone's waking up and they see Steve shirtless with the words America's Ass on his back and an arrow pointing down in sharpie bucky without his metal arm nat asleep on the table Clint in the vents.

Peter Quill and his friends arrived at the party, at Tony’s condo. Tony just thought to throw a party because he was bored and forced everyone to come.

“In the galaxy, this is the strongest alcohol,” Peter Q said.

“I don't believe you,” You said

“Try it or are you scared,” Drax said.

“I’m not scared!” You said.

“Drink it,” Tony and Yelena said at the same time.

“Fine,” You said.

Peter Q pours the liquor into a small cup. The liquor is blue and it's glowing, then you quickly drink it.

“How was it?” Clint asked.

“Wow! That is the strongest liquor ever, but it tastes really good” You said.

“Who wants to try!?” Peter Q yelled then smiled.

Now everyone starts to drink, but Peter Q did bring a lot of space liquor to the party. Everyone is feeling in a good mood, and you are smiling even more. The space liquor is making everyone drunk already, even Yelena is cheerful. You start to flirt with her and tell her horrible pickup lines, but she likes it.

“You know what goes together?” You asked.

“What?” Yelena said.

“You, me… and umm, and a kiss” You smiled.

You and Yelena just laughed and she touches your arm.

Everyone is super drunk and keep drinking the space liquor. Natasha is super cheerful and she has her arm around Tony’s shoulder. Steve, Bucky, and Clint accidentally broke a few things. Peter Q and you start to have a dance battle, Yelena cheers for you.

Then you gave a high five to Mantis, but you two kept missing. But on the tenth try, you two got it right. Mantis and Yelena tried to play pool but they kept missing hitting the ball then they laughed. Somehow, Yelena got Peter Q’s mask and she pretends to be him. Somehow Peter Q is shirtless then Thor takes off his shirt to show off that, he has better abs than him. Thor and Peter Q made you, Tony, and Mantis pick but then you three got distracted.

You grabbed a wedding ring from Tony’s bedroom, then you run to Yelena. He was going to use that to ask Pepper to marry him.

“Marry me, bitch” You smiled.

“Da!” Yelena smiled.

“What?” You asked.

“I said, yes you идиот” Yelena giggled.

Yelena called you an ‘idiot’ You put the ring on her finger.

“Don't tell Y/N he wanted to make the proposal romantic" You said.

“I won't tell him next year” Yelena giggled.

——-

The Next Day… you are on the floor sleeping and Yelena is on the couch, but her hand is on your face. You start to wake up and you moved her hand away.

“What the fuck” You whined.

You start to wake up Yelena.

“Mhmm, what… what” Yelena mumbled.

“My head is killing me,” You said.

“Did you hit me in the head? Why do I feel like shit” Yelena said.

You and Yelena stand up, trying to remember what happened last night. Tony’s condo is a huge mess and it smells so bad. You and Yelena walked to the balcony and you two are very speechless.

“What the hell happened?” Yelena asked.

Bucky is missing his metal arm, Steve is shirtless with the words America's Ass on his back and an arrow pointing down in Sharpie, but Tony, Peter Q, and Thor are in their boxers. Then You and Yelena go inside to look for the others. You noticed Clint in the vents because you see his boots, Natasha has a Sharpie mustache on her face and Rocket is sleeping next to Bucky’s metal Arm…

Now everyone is starting to wake up, they all feel like crap. Nobody remembers what happened or what they did.

“I have cameras everywhere, we can watch it and see what happened,” Tony said.

“Let's watch it because there are a lot of questions and no answers,” You said.

“Y/n is right,” Clint said.

He jumps down from the vents. Everyone sat down on the couch in the living room, everyone looks like horrible and they smell bad. Tony has a huge tv screen on the wall by the fireplace, he starts to look for last night's footage…

“Can you check who wrote on my helmet?” Peter Q asked.

“What did they do?” You asked.

“Someone drew a penis on my helmet. Was it you?” Peter Q said.

“I don't think so,” You said.

“It was you,” Peter Q said.

“Will, you two shut up. We will find out in a little bit and Y/n stop drawing on stuff” Tony said.

“It wasn't me!” You said

Tony pressed play and everyone watch what happened… Scott was making the food huge with the Pym particles, and Rocket and Yelena were the ones drawing on Peter’s helmet. Steve And Sam took Bucky’s metal arm, Sam wrote on Steve’s ass, you and Mantis tried to high-five each other many times, Tony got naked so did Thor then Clint and Drax got into the vents for some reason…

“Wait! Go back to Y/n!” Natasha yelled.

“Oh my god!” Tony said.

“What?” Yelena asked.

“No way! You and Y/n got married!!” Scott yelled in shock.

“What?… no,” You said in disbelief.

Tony zoomed on your hand and Yelena’s hand, you two have the wedding rings on.

“Wait, how did we get a priest?” You asked.

“I can't believe we got married and we didn't remember,” Yelena said.

“Looks like, we went to city hall and you got married,” Tony said.

“Scott was recording,” Clint said.

Scott checks his phone then Tony puts it on the big screen.

“Y/n, you are going to be a married man!” Scott cheered.

“This is so awesome!” You yelled.

On the marriage license, everyone wrote their name on the part it says ‘witness’

“I didn't expect Yelena to get married,” Natasha said.

“Me too,” Yelena said.

Yelena runs to the kitchen and throws up in the trash can. You are speechless and keep staring at the screen then you ran to the bathroom to throw up.

✫ ✯ ✬ ✫

You and Yelena didn't get a divorce. You and Yelena didn't tell the others what will be the next step.

But Yelena has been avoiding you and you are not sure why. You try to talk with her but she just avoids you and walks away. You are clueless about what to do or what to say.

You and Yelena went on a mission with the Avengers. You and Yelena are in the woods, walking and trying to find Hydra's lair. Your foot got in the trap, now you are upside down.

“Y/n?” Yelena said.

“I didn't notice that the trap,” You said.

Your body is moving back and forth. She placed her hands on your torso to stop your body moving.

“Y/n, this isn't like you,” Yelena said.

“Well, I have a lot on my mind Yelena Belova,” You said.

“What are you mad about?” Yelena asked.

“You have been avoiding me since we got drunk and married. But it seems you want the divorce” You said.

“Oh, Y/n,” Yelena said.

“Just say it,” You said.

“You are a handsome idiot. Y/n, I have never been married and this is different for me and… I like you” Yelena said.

“Woah, you do? This is new to me also. I want to be married to you. I pictured so many times I would ask you to be my girlfriend and then my wife. But that changed” You said.

Yelena put her hand on your face and kissed you on the lips.

“You are my husband, Y/n,” Yelena said.

You are smiling and your vision is a little blurry.

“Awesome” You smiled.

She used her dagger to cut the rope and you fell to the ground. Yelena helped you stand up and she pulled you closer to her, her arms around your body.

“Blurry vision,” You said.

She doesn't let go of you then she starts to kiss you.

[have-you-seen-my-sanity]

could you write FO!Poe with a breeding kink?

First Order Poe and breeding kink are two well fitting things.

Get used to it

First Order!Poe Dameron x fem!reader

Warnings: P in v, possessive behavior, nsfw, smut, Poe having a huge breeding kink, only little plot, reader has cybernetics preventing from getting pregnant, unhinged Poe if you squint.

Summary: Poe had been provoked by the Resistance and he uses you to let out some pent up energy.

General Poe Dameron had pride within the First Order, he was confident with his powerful fleet. But the confidence blinded him when the Resistance managed to take out a good portion of his fleet with minimal losses.

After he heard about those news, Poe scheduled a meeting with his subordinates before he went off to shoo away the two Guards standing by the door to your chambers with the intentions to let off some steam by using you.

Now Poe has you on the bed, your legs spread open for him while two of his gloved fingers are exploring your tight channel.

"You know I'm so happy to have you on my ship."

His fingers curled inside you, the coated leather of the glove hit you just right to make you flutter around his fingers.

"Look at how good you're taking my fingers, hon. Getting all nicely wet for my cock, hm?"

Poe's fingers kept pumping in and out of you, his thumb occasionally rubbing your clit to make you squirm.

"I bet you can't wait for me to fill you up, to have you dripping with my cum. I know you want it." Poe's voice was as calm and low as ever.

Soon after, he removed his fingers from you, getting up to unzip his uniform pants and freed himself. He was already leaking from the anticipation.

Poe gripped your thighs, holding them spread before he entered you swiftly, causing you to gasp in response.

"There you go, got this pussy wrapped around me like it should." Poe groaned, his hips not stopping until he was fully sheathed inside you.

"You love getting used by your General, hm? Knowing only my cock gets to breed your cunt so good you'll be dripping with me for days." Poe pumped his cock in and out of you with slow and deep thrusts, knowing these will hit your sweet spots every time.

When your moans got louder and he felt you tightening around him he leaned down close to you "You know I could turn you into my own personal breeding facility when I'm getting in the mood."

Your eyes shot open immediately "No-- wait. Please don't."

Poe chuckled, "Oh I know, baby. But you'll be bed ridden when that happens, and I wouldn't want you to think I'm cruel." he kept thrusting, rolling his hips just right to make your brain go cockdrunk.

Your back arched up to meet his thrust, wanting to get more of him, you already forgot his words and could only focus on how he's making your brain go numb.

"Want me to get your cybernetics removed so you can breed me my own herd of the most loyal troopers the Galaxy has ever seen?"

You couldn't tell if Poe was being serious or if he was just bluffing. You could only moan in response as it's the only thing you could at the moment.

"Maybe even the Supreme Leader will allow it for me." Poe chuckled, his warm breath fanning over your face.

He leaned down close to your ear again, "Imagine it, my own heir after I fucked load after load of my seed into your waiting body." Poe felt himself getting close, his thrusts already getting sloppy. You couldn't even process what he said, all you could think was how good he's pounding into you, how fast he's making your orgasm approach.

"And now be my good little girl and cum for me. Show me how much you love your caring General." Poe bit down gently on your neck. The bite mixed with his movements made you go over the edge, your pussy clenching down on his cock and gushing your juices all around him.

"Yes, that's it, there you go." Poe's breathing came out in short gasps, his sloppy thrusts came to a sudden stop when he spurted his cum into you.

Poe held himself inside you for a few seconds, then pulled out and watched as his cum oozed out of you.

"I suggest you take a shower while I order a cleaning droid to get this mess on the bed dealt with. And I hope you will get used to this."

You looked down, seeing the pool of mixed juices and cum on the bedsheets, then nodded weakly in response.

Poe reached for his black coat he dropped earlier, threw it over his shoulders and went to the door but stopped to glance back at you

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend too, in order to deal with the Resistance."

Poe left your chambers, leaving you to clean yourself up from this sudden encounter.

[rexmeshlasblog]

It’s easy if you’d do it right Part 2

Commander Cody x Jedi Reader

Click here for part 1

Summary: After their meeting in the trainings hall the Jedi avoids the Commander…turns out he doesn’t likes it.

Word count: 1793

Warnings: feelings, fluff, mentions of war, use of Y/N, fmc, mentions of loss, intimate moment, lots of sexual tension, let’s just say no walls were harmed, angry Commander Cody, Obi-Wan being a wingman, angsty, swearing

A/N: Here is finally part 2 of “it’s easy if you’d do it right”. I hope you like the last part of this little one shot. Originally this had an other kinda outcome with more angsty Cody, but I guess this one’s better, but idk. Let me know if you want to read the other one as well.

“And that’s how we’ll do it. Anakin and the 501st will help us after.” Master Kenobi ended the briefing for us. We were heading to a mission in the outer rim and suspected Grievous there. There was a good chance that we could finally catch him and destroy his army of clankers and bring a bit more peace to the galaxy.

„Commander, Admiral you are dismissed“, Obi-Wan finished and gave me his full attention as they left us alone. I raised my eyebrows. When he looked at me with that look I felt like I’d done something wrong. Massively wrong.

„What is it Obi-Wan?“, I sighed rubbing my temples displeased.

His arms crossed while his face turned from full serious to an huge smile as he noticed that everyone else had left us behind.

“My dear, what did you do to our beloved Commander?”, he asked eyebrows raising slowly and smile widening. I never saw Obi-Wan like that before and I knew him a while now since he kinda adopted me to his -now our- battalion. Excited and fully invested in someone else’s drama if you’d call it that. This man was here for the tea. I always thought he was the calm and sticking to the rules type of guy and not like Skywalker. A man who gave a kriff about rules and just did his mission like he likes it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about”, I mumbled under my breath turning slightly away from him, but he was a Jedi Master. Looking right through me and my flustered behaviour. And he also knew his Commander very well and noticed that Cody behaved different than normally. Not visible for someone who didn’t know him as well as we did, but still kinda obvious if you’re looking for a change in his mood.

“We both know that this is a lie. You’re both acting weird since a few days and you’re ignoring him completely. What happed to you and your friendship? Did Cody do something wrong?” Master Kenobi was worried. I could sense it, but behind his worry was something else as well. Hope. But hope for what?

“Master”, I began, but he disrupted me.

“He tried talking to you, but you’re avoiding him. I saw it the other day.”

I bit my lip. Regret waved like flames through me. I knew that he wanted to talk. I sensed it, but after all meetings I just raced away so we didn’t have to talk about it. After our meeting in the trainings hall I thought he just wanted to forget about it and keep moving on without lending it a second thought. Cody had seemed so unbothered like it was and meant nothing to him when my comm interrupted us, so I tried to calm my nerves and feels for him as I suggested that I didn’t have a chance if I tried talking to him. He seemed uninterested in me. Like he didn’t have the same feelings as I had for him.

“I’m sorry.” The apology was weak and Obi-Wan knew that as well. But at least it was honest.

“Don’t say that to me. Speak with Cody. He isn’t himself anymore and I worry about him as much as I do for you, my dear.” Fathers like he patted my shoulder before I left to go to my room. I had to clean my thoughts before I could finally speak with Cody ‘cause Obi-Wan was right. I had to talk to him. We worked together and things would not turn out well on the battle field if we didn’t clarify everything.

But for now I had to clear my thoughts. Otherwise I’d just mumble nonsense plus announce things he didn’t want to know about. Like my romantic feelings for him. My not-so-Jedi-like attachment to him.

Deep in thoughts, as I walked to my barracks, I didn’t notice the person following and quickly catching up on me before dragging me into an empty room and pressing me into the wall. The air in my lungs leaving them quickly as my eyes were going wide as I took the person, pressing me to the wall, in. Cody. Kriff no. He always had the baddest timings.

“What the hell is going on with you?”, he shouted. His eyes were blazing with fire as he pressed me further into the wall. A deep furrow between his eyebrows. He was angry. Fucking angry. I never saw him like that before. Sure, I’d seen him mad if Waxer or Boil had done something stupid again. But not like that. He was for real not himself. His three days beard wasn’t shaved and he looked like a mess and nothing like the Commander everyone respected and looked up to. Deep rings were under his eyes and his eyes itself were entirely sad and exhausted. They no longer had that shine which I adored. And I hadn’t noticed till now. Was too focused to keep myself together to see Cody’s struggle.

“What do you mean?” Was my slow respond. Not very clever, because I didn’t know how to start this conversation and what I should say or even where I should start.

Cody laughed bitter, “You’re avoiding me. You’re fucking acting like nothing had happened between us.”

I gasped for air. The room between us too small to breath clearly. All I could sense was Cody. The Commanders smell was hypnotising and the proximity was almost too much to handle. But even now I enjoyed his company. Even when he yelled at me. I wasn’t scared of him, he was just done with me and my acting. Obviously, I would feel the same way if he’d act like I did.

„Commander I-“

„No, don’t call me by my title. The moment in the trainings hall, I have to know, did it mean something to you? Or was it just a moment you got lost in, ‘cause you Jedi aren’t allowed to have something like that. Because for me it meant something more.“

My breath hitched. There were no thoughts left inside my brain. But there were also no needed, because the next second he pressed his lips into mine. His large hands were on me. My hips, my waist all over me while my own found it’s way around his neck to scrub his scalp with my nails making him moan slightly and parting his lips. He parted mine rough with his tongue and I happily obeyed. Cody was all over me as he kissed me with his teeth, mouth and tongue. But it wasn’t just a kiss. It was a kiss on my body and soul. With his hole body looming all over mine and tying me in. Cody was here and he meant this kiss with his hole entire being. I sensed it through the force as it waved like fire right through me. Cody not just wanted me. He wanted me to be his reason to life and fight. And I wanted him to be my reason. A reason that’s every fight and every war worth.

We only broke away from each other to catch a breath. As soon as he wasn’t all over me anymore I missed him and wanted to be this close to him again. I needed him. Needed to feel him as clearly as I had seconds ago.

Our chests were rising and falling heavily as we tried to steady ourselves. Foreheads touching each other while Cody held me close to him. His thumbs making gentle circles around my waist. Spreading goosebumps like he did the other day in the trainings hall. I didn’t look at him, but I felt his eyes on me. Worried that he did something wrong and crossed a line, but also hopeful that I felt the same way as he did.

“You mean more to me, then you should and it scares me so kriffing much. It scares me that I can’t be with you all time to protect you even though I know that you’re able to protect yourself. I can’t loose you and I need you.” His words were almost just a whisper. Full of angst and the fear of loss. Cody lost too many. His brothers and friends. Family. Sometimes it was harder to survive than to die.

As I looked up into his eyes, they were already lingering on me. Searching for a sign that this was okay and I also wanted it.

“Cody”, I breathed his name and sensed how he shifted uncomfortable as his hands on my waist tightens his grip slightly. Like he didn’t want to loose me. Cody was scared of my reaction and I’d feel the same if I had told him straight about my feelings like he just did.

“When I’m not with you I feel incomplete. Whenever I see you around my heart jumps so much and makes me want to forget about the Jedi codex. It scares me to see you on a battle field, ‘cause every time you’re standing there, could be the last time I sense and feel you. See you alive. And I’m pretty sure if I had to see you death on a battle field I’d lose myself.”

My answer was honest and clear. Told him straight how I felt and was absolute right. I never felt as good in my life before. A huge weight was took from my heart.

His forehead found its way against mine again. I felt my one heart nearly jumping out of my chest. Suddenly there was a warmth inside of me that just had to come from Cody and his body. He took a deep breath in, before he said his next words. “What do we now?”

I sighed, “Keeping us a secret till the end of the war. And then we run away together if they want to us to break up.”

Cody sighed heavily. “This will be difficult.”

“But we have to try. Or they kill us both.”

He knew that I was right. Everybody knew about the severe penalties for clones who did not follow the rules and orders.

There was a pause between us. Silence, before Cody broke it again.

“May I kiss you again?”

I smiled while he chuckled slightly, before our eyes met. The sadness was all washed from him. Cody looked relieved and felt relieved as I touched him through the force. A better future for us. That was it what we were fighting for. A new hope for some kind of peace. A future were we didn’t have to fight anymore to be free and could do and feel how we’d liked.

I leaned up a bit to meet him half way, “Yes, Commander.”

[stormyblue90]

🌶 Don’t Fear the Reaper 🌶

This took far too long (curse you ADHD Executive Dysfunction), but here’s a fic based on my 501st Spice Tolerance polls!

Summary: Hardcase acquires a bunch of “contraband” in the form of the galaxy’s spiciest peppers. Naturally, he must challenge his brothers to a game...

Warnings: Only a reference to vomiting near the end, but nothing graphic.

Rating: General, just some 501st shenanigans

The sound of two sets of feet dashing down the halls of the Resolute echoed through the corridor leading to the mess hall. Hardcase and Ahsoka were running inside, each carrying a sizable crate, and with mischievous grins plastered on their faces. Once they entered the mess hall, they quickly scanned the tables, finally settling on their target. They spotted the 501st's captain and six other troopers, and made their way to the table.

"Alright boys!" Hardcase exclaimed, slamming his crate on the table where his brothers sat, startling nearly all of them. 

Jesse had nearly choked on his drink at the sudden jolt from his vod. Thankfully Ahsoka set her crate down less forcefully.

"Hardcase, what is this?" Rex asked, looking up from his data-pad. He'd been checking over the latest mission reports before submitting them and was not in the mood for his brother's shenanigans.

"This," Hardcase began to explain as he opened the lid to the crate, "is a crate of Mandalorian Reaper peppers!"

The surrounding troopers took a peak inside, seeing several round, bright orange peppers. Jesse looked up at Hardcase quizzically, while Rex just raised his eyebrow, waiting for Hardcase to explain himself.

"Peppers Hardcase?" Echo asked, "For what?"

"Not just ANY pepper Echo!" Hardcase replied. "THESE babies are the legendary 'Mandalorian Reapers!' The hottest peppers in the galaxy! They say they're so hot, that not even a mighty Sith Lord can endure'em!"

Echo rolled his eyes, "They can't be the hottest in the GALAXY Hardcase, the galaxy's huge-"

"How did you get these?" Tup asked, interrupting Echo.

"Not important!" Hardcase said, waving a hand at an open mouthed Dogma who clearly had a retort about contraband at the ready.

Rex sighed, "Alright Hardcase, what do you plan to do with these?" he asked, humoring his vod.

A devious smirk appeared on Hardcase's face. "A challenge!" he said.

At the word 'challenge' both Fives and Jesse immediately perked up, looking attentively at their brother.

"Oooh? What kind of challenge?" Fives asked, despite having a hunch what it might be.

"The challenge my friends, is who at this table can eat the MOST of these bad boys before tapping out!" Hardcase explained.

As soon as he explained the challenge, Ahsoka opened the lid of her crate, revealing cartons of blue milk and pints of ice-cream.

"And I'm the Referee!" she exclaimed.

"Wait why aren't YOU joining us? You're our Vod'ika!" Fives asked.

"It'd be an unfair challenge." Ahsoka replied.

Kix sighed, "Because she can't TASTE the spice of the peppers Fives. At least not the extent of humans. Togruta are nearly immune to capsaicin."

"Capa-what?" Fives responded.

"Capsaicin, Fives." Echo repeated. "It's the chemical that makes spicy food spicy. But not all species are affected by it. But since we're human we ARE affected by-"

"Ok ok ok whatever! Thank you CT-NERD" Fives interjected, rolling his eyes.

"And dairy products, especially cold ones like milk or ice-cream are a good antidote to it." Kix added.

Hardcase huffed, trying to pull his brothers' attention back to him. "Ok ok whatever! THE CHALLENGE! Are you guys in or not?"

"That depends," Jesse replied. "What's the winner get?"

"Well," Hardcase began, "we ARE spending our shore leave on Naboo, thanks to General Skywalker."

"That's a reward in itself." Rex said, thinking of how nice it was to spend some time on such a beautiful, lush planet.

"SO the winner gets... A secluded Spa Day at the Amidala Lake House!" Hardcase finished.

That grabbed each trooper's attention. A nice, long relaxing spa day on a Naboo lake retreat sounded perfect. Away from the shenanigans of other troopers, peaceful scenery and atmosphere, all in all a nice reward after long, arduous campaigns. There was one problem however.

"Alright, that does sound nice." Kix spoke, "However how do you know the winner will get to stay at the Senator's lake house? Won't her and the general be staying there?"

Hardcase shrugged. "Eh, it's a BIG house. 'Sides I'm sure the general won't mind and could pull some strings. Especially since uh...we KNOW about...THAT." He said, waggling his eyebrows and the unsaid secret shared between the troopers.

The others took a moment to think about the possibility. The general and senator were not exactly subtle in their secret, and they all knew the real reason Skywalker managed to get the 501st shore leave on Naboo rather than Coruscant. Surely a simple "reminder" would persuade them to let the winning trooper stay at the lake house.

The troopers nodded amongst themselves in agreement. Even the more reluctant such as Dogma, Rex, and Echo agreed to challenge. A nice, long relaxing spa day would be well worth the few moments of pain from a simple pepper.

When all at the table agreed to Hardcase's challenge, he slapped his hands together, rubbing them devilishly as a grin was plastered on his face.

"Excellent!" Hardcase exclaimed, taking a seat in front of Kix. "Commander, you go ahead and explain the rules!" he said, gesturing to Ahsoka.

Ahsoka quickly passed out a small plate, a glass of blue milk, and pint of ice cream to each trooper. Afterwards she placed a single pepper on each plate. Once everyone had their pepper and "antidote" she stood at the head of the table, hands clasped behind her back.

"Alright men," she spoke, each trooper's attention glued to her. "The challenge is simple. Whoever can last the longest before drinking the milk, and eating the ice cream antidote, wins! Each round you receive one pepper."

The troopers all nodded, a simple challenge.

Ahsoka continued to explain. "For each round, you must eat the ENTIRE pepper. No single bite out of each one. You must eat the whole thing! If you can't finish the pepper, or you spit it out, or vomit. You lose the round. Once you drink from the milk, or eat the ice cream, you lose the round. Is that understood troopers?"

"Yes sir!" all of them responded, as if they were just given their orders for a mission.

"Good!" Ahsoka replied. "May the Force be with your tastebuds, BEGIN!"

Each trooper took their pepper, and prepared themselves. Jesse took a deep breath, mentally steeling himself, Tup mumbled a quick prayer to whatever entity may be listening, and Fives stretched and crack his neck as if he were about to engage in a physical fight. They all took their first bite at the same time.

Within a few seconds, the reactions to spicy pepper began. Fives, who had only bitten off half, immediately began to sweat, turning red within seconds. Others, such as Rex, Jesse, Dogma, and Echo chose to eat the small peppers in one bite, in order to quickly move on to the next round.

Fives struggled to swallow the bite of pepper he'd taken. He was nowhere near prepared for the level of heat the small fruit contained. His mouth felt like the surface of Mustafar, no, a supernova! He so desperately wanted to spit the pepper out. No, he must persevere! He was an ARC Trooper dammit! No way would he be outdone by a pepper!

Echo who sat next to Fives glanced as his twin, also beginning to sweat as well. He knew his brother secretly could not handle spicy food. Fives always talked a big game, but he couldn't always put his credits where his mouth was. Echo stole a quick look towards the glass of milk that was just within reach. Sweet mercy was so close. No, he must endure.

After what felt like hours, Fives managed to swallow. Only to quickly regret it as he felt the fire cascade down his throat. His breathing quickened, his heart began to pound, beads of sweat dripped down his brow.

"WhoooHOOHOOO!!!" Thats-...Thasss.....Ha ha haaaa...HOT!" Fives wheezed.

"Stay strong Vod!" Echo replied, placing a hand on Fives' shoulder. It was clear he was struggling as well, but he was hiding it better.

The rest had finished their peppers, none of them reaching for their glass. Fives was all that remained to finish the pepper. Just one more bite. One. More.

Fives raised the half eaten pepper to his mouth, tears streaming down his face, his nose sniffly. Finally, with one last burst of courage, he chomped down on the pepper, quickly swallowing. However it was too much, his strength and resolve gave out.

"HOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!" Fives squealed, reaching for the glass of milk. He quickly chugged it down, the blue milk dribbling down his chin, neck, and over his breastplate. Within seconds the glass was empty, and Fives ripped into the pint of ice cream, not even grabbing a spoon, but grabbing the ice cream with his fingers, shoving it into his burnt mouth, begging for sweet relief from the inferno. After a few moments, his tongue and throat finally felt as if the fire was extinguished. There was still some heat, but it began to subside.

Ahsoka offered the trooper a box of tissues for his face and nose. Fives gladly took them, furiously wiping away snot that was pouring out of his nose before devouring more ice cream, albeit using a spoon this time.

"Aaaand....We have a first loser! Fives, you are eliminated!" Ahsoka announced.

For the moment, Fives didn't care he came in dead last, all he cared about was finding relief from that abomination of a pepper.

Echo patted his back gently. "I'm sorry Vod," he said. "At least you finished the whole pepper. I thought you were a goner after the first bite."

Fives could only whine pitifully in response.

With the first "casualty" of the challenge, tensions started to rise amongst the troopers. They glanced at each other, wondering who would fall next. If one of the best ARC Troopers was defeated so easily, how would the rest of them hold up? Nearly all were still fighting the sting from the first round as Ahsoka passed out more peppers for the next.

The next to fall was Echo, who had just barely managed to endure Round 2. As soon as he swallowed the third pepper, he lunged for the pint of ice-cream in front of him, and began to chug the glass of milk. His face was red and sweaty, and both milk and ice-cream dribbled down his chin. He looked towards Fives with a pained look as if saying I'm sorry Vod, I held on as long as I could. Fives, still shoving spoonfuls of ice cream nodded empathetically.

"The Dominoes have fallen." Ahsoka said solemnly, passing out the next round of hellish peppers.

With the pair of ARC Troopers eliminated, the remaining troopers began to fall one by one. The next to fall was Tup, tapping out before finishing his fourth pepper, much to Dogma's dismay. Following Tup was Jesse, who unfortunately succumbed to the pepper's heat in the sixth round, quickly followed by Rex mere seconds later.

"You fought well Trooper. You fought well." Rex told him, placing a hand on his lieutenant's shoulder, and downing a glass of milk.

Dogma, Kix, and Hardcase were the three who remained. Astoundingly, they looked much better than their fallen brothers. While the others were all red-faced, panting, sweating, and sniffling profusely, Dogma looked only mildly affected. A thin veil of sweat coated his brow, but he looked only as if he just completed a quick jog across the tarmac on a warm day. Kix appeared to be unaffected at all, barely a bead of sweat, while Hardcase seemed to be actively enjoying the contest, nearly inhaling each pepper given to him.

"Alright Command-I mean Ref!" Hardcase announced. "We're down to the final three, how 'bout we ramp it up a bit?"

Ahsoka smirked deviously, "What do you have in mind?" she asked.

"Give us TWO peppers this round! And in the next, provided these two don't tap out, THREE peppers!" Hardcase suggested enthusiastically.

Ahsoka nodded, and proceeded to pass out two peppers to the remaining troopers. The others who were still shoveling as much ice cream into their tortured mouths, looked on with wide eyes.

The surviving trio all looked at each other, daring the others to tap out. They each took a pepper, biting into it, and waiting for one of them to give in.

All three ate the first pepper with relative ease, however when it came to second, Dogma began to sweat more. He only managed to eat half the second pepper, and was hesitant to eat the remaining half. Hardcase looked at him, a wide devilish grin plastered on his face as he waited for Dogma to reach for the glass of milk.

Dogma began to reach for the glass, but stopped himself. He could hear the other troopers gasp in anticipation, but he held on. Quickly he devoured the last pepper. He swallowed, but coughed afterwards, making the stinging heat in his mouth and throat worse. It was the straw that broke the eopie's back. He grabbed the glass of milk and downed it.

"UUUUGH HOOOOT!!!!" he managed to exclaim before another coughing fit erupted. Tup rubbing his back soothingly, and handing him a half melted pint of ice cream.

As Dogma began to eat the ice cream, Hardcase whooped in victory. Now it was down to him and Kix. Despite the latter seeming immune to the pepper's intense spice, Hardcase was confident he would not lose. Not only was this the most fun he had that didn't involve blasting droids, Hardcase genuinely enjoyed the peppers.They were the perfect intensity of spice for him. It was only a matter of time before Kix gave in. Or so Hardcase thought.

Two rounds later, Kix and Hardcase were given a plate of five peppers. The losing troopers were shocked not only at the length the challenge had become, but now Hardcase was showing signs of fatigue. His face was red, brow covered in sweat, and he was sniffling with every breath, yet the trooper remained determined.

Kix wiped his brow with the back of his hand, a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead, and only mild redness in his cheeks.

"This HAS to be the final round Hardcase." Kix said.

"Why?" Hardcase asked, "Giving up?"

"No, I'm starting to get full." Kix said matter-of-factly.

With a burp, sending another wave of heat up his throat, Hardcase nodded in agreement. "Alright, Vod, alright. Whoever eats the most of these five last peppers wins. And IF we both finish'em...We call it a draw and BOTH have a spa day. Deal?"

Kix held out his hand to shake, "Deal."

Hardcase shook his hand in agreement and the pair each took a pepper. Both ate the first, however at the second, Hardcase managed only one bite. He started to burp more, increasing the heat. He held his hand to his mouth as he started to look worried. Hardcase felt bile rise in throat, burning more than usual.

The others looked on, all seemingly holding their breath. Ahsoka quickly grabbed a bucket, expecting Hardcase to vomit.

With one final burp, Hardcase lunged for the bucket in Ashoka's hands, shoving his face in it as he retched.

Ahsoka and the others looked away, flinching in disgust as Hardcase emptied his stomach of the numerous peppers he'd eaten.

Hardcase's muffled cries in between his retches could be heard from the bucket.

"Oh...KRIFF this burns even more!" he cried.

Everyone else then looked to Kix, who only took a napkin to wipe away the sweat from his brow as he sighed.

"Finally, I thought he'd never tap out." He said calmly. "Didn't plan on an all pepper dinner tonight, but at least they were tasty."

Kix stood up and stretched as his brothers and Ahsoka looked on, dumbstruck. None of them had expected the medic to last so long, let alone win!

"Well, a nice relaxing spa day on Naboo sounds amazing! I need it dealing with all you di'kuts." Kix said, a small smirk on his lips as he walked off.

"I can't believe it..." Jesse remarked, watching Kix leave.

"That trooper is made of tougher stuff than us, boys." Rex replied.

"Are we sure he's not secretly immune to spicy food or something?" Ahsoka said, tilting her head. "Hardcase said these things are so spicy they could make a Sith Lord explode."

"Nah, I think he's just a good actor and faking it, bet he's about to go vomit his brains out." Fives said bitterly.

"You're just sore you were the first loser." Echo replied, before Fives roughly shoved his shoulder.

"Sooo.... What ARE we gonna do with the rest of the peppers?" Tup asked, looking at the crate that still had plenty of peppers.

"Hmm, We could send them to Commander Fox and the Corries. Heard they love spicy food, and use it to keep themselves awake if they don't have caf." Rex suggested.

"Good idea." Ahsoka said, closing the lid on the crate.

"I never wanna see another kriffin' pepper again..." Jesse said as they all agreed and began to clean up the mess of melted ice cream and milk.

Two standard weeks later, the Republic was in uproar at the sudden death of Chancellor Palpatine. Some were worried the CIS would win the war, while others cheered for the man's death, not favoring him as their political leader. The Jedi temple however was filled with confused Jedi Masters, feeling as if some fog had been lifted and they could see clearly again. Although Skywalker had been rather distraught. Thankfully the Naboo senator and his former Jedi Master were able to hold him back from doing something rash.

Commander Fox leaned back in his office chair, reading the report on his holopad. A color-pointed Tooka purred away on his lap. 

"Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine found dead due to a severe allergic reaction from a foreign pepper..." he read aloud.

"Such a shame huh Bean?..." Fox muttered to his furry companion, sarcasm in his tone, as he scratched the tooka's ears.

Another, orange tooka leapt up on his desk, flopping over, begging for attention.

"Whatever shall the Republic do Shiny?" he asked the tooka, rubbing its belly as it began to purr.

  Fox set his holopad down and picked up a Mandalorian Reaper pepper from his snack drawer, popping it into his mouth.

"Mhmm... Nice kick these Reaper peppers. I'll have to thank Rex next time he's planet-side. Shame the chancellor was allergic."

[athousandbyeol]

stray thoughts on forcebook's acting

honestly, i'm not an OG forcebook fan. i wasn't there from their enchante days. in fact, i started liking forcebook's acting three weeks after a boss and a babe aired. so, i don't know if i'm qualified to state my opinion (because i once posted this on my now-deactivated twitter, and the discourse wasn't pretty), but here goes nothing.

forcebook's commendable acting in a boss and a babe

so, after episode 9 of a boss and a babe, i now believe forcebook are capable of carrying heavy roles. they're dynamic actors, and now it's clear how many facades both gun and cher are wearing. even though i don't watch enchante, from the clips i saw here and there, they've improved tremendously. and kudos to them for their hard work.

gun gungawin, at the beginning of the series, is very stoic, strict and unfriendly. he shuts people down with his signature cold stare. he doesn't have a close friend. he's alone, and he prefers it that way. he overthinks but doesn't show. i personally think gun doesn't like skinship because it creates this bond, and he can't bear the thought of losing that someday (like how he lost thyme). yet, when he meets cher, his walls crumble. he becomes friendlier and happier. he doesn't care about what others think (contrary to how he was before cher). p'force portrayed him really well.

then comes the sunshine, cher saran, the bright and kind of idiotic intern (sorry, cher T_T). he's the mood maker. he's everyone's helper. very selfless because he has a gigantic heart. he ducks every conflict and traumatising emotion like a pro gamer. he cares so much about gun, but doesn't know how to show it with words. he's goofy and silly. and he keeps all the pain to himself. he hides them in the deepest part of his heart because he doesn't want anyone to know. he doesn't like talking about his struggles because that's who cher saran is. but you see the pain in his eyes when the light goes dark. and p'book's ability to distinguish the happy cher and sad cher so smoothly blows me away every single time.

episode 9 is a whiplash of pain, heartbreak, sadness, confusion, betrayal, loyalty, trust, disappointment, true love and sacrifice. i just want to say kudos to forcebook for bringing guncher to life. i shed so many litres of tears last night. i still will cry if i rewatch ep 9.

my bias towards p'aof's works

i'm a huge fan of p'aof (the director/screenwriter of he's coming to me, 1000 stars, bad buddy and moonlight chicken). i adore his works because of his precision in crafting the characters, choosing the most suitable bgms, his vision, the cinematography, the richness of symbolism and metaphor in his works, and his ability to bring out the best in his actors.

i'm beyond excited knowing my beloved jimmysea is now under p'aof's wings with another potentially heartbreaking series, last twilight, soon-to-be-aired this year (or early next year). i know p'aof will trigger all these emotions and potential in jimmysea, and i'm just ecstatic to see them nailing mork and day.

so, i posted this thought on twitter, and some didn't agree. i do understand that p'aof's works can be quite conventional and old school, but hear me out; even though it is, he's so good at it.

and it's funny how when i look at forcebook, i'm like— damn, p'aof really needs to give them a script. i've been manifesting a forcebook + p'aof collab ever since.

perhaps, i am biased. because i like p'aof's style, and i'm confident he has that freaking good script for forcebook somewhere in his stash (or his galaxy brain), and i hope god listens to my prayers. but as always, it's ok to disagree. this post doesn't intend to impose my thoughts on anyone.

so, yes. i just hope one day, forcebook will get a very good script to match their abilities, because god damn it, please don't waste their talents. i'll be furious.

and i hope only friends will be the beginning of forcebook's reign because these men know how to act, and they're nailing it.